The Right to Information During Natural Disasters in Albania 2020 by Dorian Matliaj and Res Publica and published by Civil Rights Defenders provides an in-depth analysis of the way the government managed information during two successive crises, and the obstacles put in the way of media workers.
The scope of the report is to assess “the implementation of special principles and rules on freedom of information and government performance during periods of natural disaster, with respect to the publication of reliable notifications, proactive transparency, and the response of institutions to requests for information.”
Following the earthquake in November 2019, it was reported that the government only allowed ERTV (the Prime Minister Edi Rama’s personal online television) to report from government meetings and essentially blocked media access to independent reporting of the situation.
Some months later, the COVID-19 pandemic was announced and the government implemented a strict two-month lockdown. A state of emergency was declared and the government adopted a “war” rhetoric when talking about fighting the virus. Tanks and armed military were deployed to the streets of the capital.
Matliaj reported that the pandemic allowed Rama to take the lead with a constant social media and online broadcasting presence. In the first month of lockdown, he published 407 Facebook posts and 47 hours of video, essentially governed by social media.
“Basically, the Prime Minister has monopolized not only the content (what we learn and think about the crisis), but also the framing (in what ways we think about the crisis) and the media (how we receive the information)” explains Blerjana Bino, co-founder of Science and Innovation for Development (SCiDEV).
Government decisions were first broadcast on social media and all press conferences were closed to the media.
Journalists also found it hard to do their job due to restricted movement and the fact they were unable to meet with officials and politicians to provide first-hand information to the public. The main issue was the fact journalists couldn’t enter hospital facilities and were restricted to reporting on figures and data published by the Ministry of Health. There was no opportunity to verify information or seek out alternative sources.
Another issue was the non-disclosure of the members of the Tecnical Committee of Experts who were responsible for deciding on measures.
The report also levied criticism at the government’s fines against ORA News for alleged breach of measures relating to the number of people in the studio. ORA said they were being targeted because of the ongoing conflict between the owner and the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj.
Matlija described it as “obviously not in line with the legitimate aim, and not necessary in a democratic society.”
During the aftermath of the November earthquake, there were various “alarming cases of intimidation of journalists and the media”. The first of which was the criminal charges filed against the administrators of JOQ. A few days later, the Electronic Postal and Communications Authority blocked the portal in Abnaia so the public couldn’t access it. This was due to allegations of posting fake news that could cause a panic. This was done without a court decision.
The state also blocked Gazeta Dita who had published articles critical of the government’s response to the crisis.
In addition to these cases, a young woman was prosecuted for posting on Facebook her fears that a hydropower plant had been damaged and that gas deposit could explode. Five police cars arrived at her house to arrest her, despite the post receiving only 26 likes.
On the topic of the demolition of the National Theatre, the report identified violations of freedom of expression and information. Journalists were prevented from doing their job by not being allowed to access or approach the scene. Some were even assaulted by the police, according to the report.
Film footage emerged of journalists being beaten and assaulted.
Transparency also hit an all-time low during the earthquake and pandemic. Many portals reported a significant decrease in the number of freedom of information requests that were acknowledged or responded to by government institutions. The Commissioner for the Right to Information said his office received a great number of complaints as well.
The Ministry of Health repeatedly failed to provide information or answer requests to journalists. They even ignored the freedom of information request sent by the President of the Republic Ilir Meta.
Matlija and Res Publica made a number of recommendations. They include:
- Public authorities guaranteeing journalists’ access to information wherever the journalist sees fit;
- The provision of regular information to all journalists as well as the opportunity for them to ask questions to crisis management authorities;
- Revision of disproportionate sanctions against journalists and sanctions against officials who try to manipulate and exploit the crisis;
- Better collaboration between the Commissioners office and NGOs;
- Commissioner to develop a transparency program for all institutions involved in managing the COVID-19 pandemic;
- The government should encourage subordinate bodies and the media to establish a mechanism of continuous cooperation, creating a forum with non-governmental organizations, the media, the independent journalists to exercise freedom of expression and information in the time of crisis through dialogue;
- The recommendation given on the anonymization of data in the courts needs to be revised. Moreover, in the current situation where persons who are not parties to the trial are not allowed to participate in the hearings, immediate intervention is needed.
