The Journalists Association of Albania has filed a lawsuit against the new regulations of the Special Court of Kosovo, initially seeking their suspension and then the repeal of the part related to media and journalists. The lawsuit comes after continuous objections from journalists and media organizations to the new rules of the Special Court.
AGSH has argued that some of the provisions of the regulation limit the work of journalists while covering court hearings and violate access to information. The association requests that the regulation be suspended until a final decision is made by the Constitutional Court.
The head of the AGSH, Isa Myzyri, stated that this regulation violates the work of journalists. "That regulation violates the work of journalists. There are a number of arguments for the legal team to bring this regulation to the Constitutional Court. Allow me to express my deep disappointment for the GJKKO, which created better working conditions for journalists. Now the rights of journalists are not in question, but the rights of citizens. This is a great insistence of journalists, especially those who cover the black chronicle. They have postponed this legal action to the Constitutional Court," he said.
The new GJKKO regulation entered into force on September 1. Among the measures opposed by journalists is the ban on the use of mobile phones during hearings, while audio recording by journalists is also not allowed. Accreditation procedures and requirements for attending hearings have also been opposed.
According to AGSH, these restrictions directly affect the way journalists report from one of the most important justice institutions in the country. Journalists' representatives are expected to ask the Constitutional Court to assess the compatibility of these provisions with the Constitution and decide on their suspension until the conclusion of the consideration of the case. Objections to the regulation have increased since its publication in late July, while the GJKKO has put it into effect since September 1.
