OSCE Presence in Albania urges respect for media freedom

TIRANA, 31 January 2011, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania calls for protection of media freedom and respect for the rule of law during investigations into the tragic events of 21 January in Tirana which claimed the lives of 3 people.

Following requests by a number of investigative bodies for phone records from individuals, including journalists, Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, said “These investigations must take into account that free and independent media plays a pivotal role in a democratic and free society. Journalists must be able to work in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust as a basis for their professional role in contributing to public discourse. All institutions have an obligation to support media freedom allowing the media to fulfil their duty in providing factual and timely information to the public”.