In the intricate web of a democratic society, the freedom of the press stands as a cornerstone, a beacon of transparency and accountability. Yet, in the heart of Albania, this beacon flickers under the shadow of political and judicial abuse. Jurist Dorian Matlija sheds light on the precarious path journalists tread in the pursuit of their profession.
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Speaking on Euronews Albania's "Review," Matlija paints a stark picture: despite Albania's recent ranking in media freedom reports, the reality is far grimmer. What these reports capture are but the tip of the iceberg, mere glimpses into the pervasive threats that loom over the press.
Matlija outlines a disturbing pattern: a wave-like assault on media freedom. Journalists, he asserts, are first lured with promises of patronage, only to face defamation and legal harassment when they resist. Those who dare to defy these pressures find themselves in the crosshairs of physical violence or worse.
"Today, there are more insidious ways to target a journalist," Matlija warns. "First, attempts to seduce and buy them. Some resist. Those who resist may face pressure through small sanctions, the denial of favors, permits, or worse, tax audits escalate."
He highlights the insidious nature of the attacks, where journalists are subjected to deliberate slander to tarnish their reputation, branding them as liars. This orchestrated assault often involves parallel online portals. Matlija recounts several cases where journalists like Artan Rama, British journalist Alice Taylor working in Albania, and Ylli Rakipi have been maliciously targeted. However, some manage to withstand these attacks.
"Then they go to court. Some still resist. In such cases, it escalates to extremes—threats, physical violence, even cases involving firearms. The international community may glance at the reports, but the situation is far worse. All three institutions stand against media freedom," he concludes.
The journey of a journalist in Albania is fraught with peril—a battleground where truth clashes with power, and where the guardians of democracy find themselves outnumbered and outgunned. The abuse of media freedom by political and judicial entities casts a dark shadow over Albania's democratic aspirations, underscoring the urgent need for concerted action to safeguard the press from the encroaching forces of oppression.