European Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said criminalizing defamation could have a negative impact on a country’s censorship and freedom of expression.
Exit asked Jourova if he was in favor of decriminalizing defamation in EU member states and candidate countries.
” In my opinion, it is something that should be taken into account by the states … I am of the opinion that it is the means provided by civil or administrative law that should be used in these cases, ” she said.
Linda Ravo from the Coalition Against SLAPP said that the call for decriminalization of defamation is an echo from the Council of Europe.
” Provisions penalizing defamation have such a seriously shocking effect on freedom of expression, in addition to further arming themselves through the use of SLAPPs .”
The coalition has presented a model directive to the EU, which contains safeguards against SLAPP and criminal defamation.
In Albania, defamation is a criminal and civil case.
SLAPP lawsuits or other lawsuits are used to silence and intimidate journalists.
Instead of decriminalizing, the government is seeking to pass other laws that increase penalties for defamation as a criminal offense.
Exit also revealed that the government has also made changes to the electoral code, which could impose heavy fines and 48-hour closures on TV stations that violate reporting rules for the upcoming general election.
