The Albanian Media Council (KShM) has strongly condemned a series of messages allegedly sent by Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj to the owner of Ora News Ylli Ndroqi, that insulted a journalist and attempted to tamper with the media channel’s editorial line.
In a statement, KShM described the messages as an example of the way in which Albanian media and press is threatened and pressured by elected officials like Veliaj.
KShM called on Veliaj to speak on the authenticity of these messages and apologize publicly, not only to the journalist who he allegedly insulted, but to the entire press community. Additionally, the statement also demanded legal organs launch an urgent investigation into the conversation, that, if true, constitute a violation of the right to freedom of speech.
They also asked fellow journalists, despite their political stance, to speak out to protect a colleague and their profession from attacks on freedom of speech and information.
