AMA’s Chair, Ms. Armela Krasniqi, has issued a statement today regarding the manner in which audiovisual media outlets have continued their on-site reporting following the grave incident that occurred yesterday at the Court of Appeals premises in Tirana, where Judge Astrit Kalaja was fatally shot. Certain statements made by a relative of the perpetrator have conveyed messages inciting violence, revenge and acts of vigilantism. Ms. Krasniqi announced that today alone, the Authority has issued 13 “Calls for Attention” to 13 television stations and has called for an immediate end to the broadcasting of messages that encourage violence.
Below is Ms. Krasniqi’s full statement:
Today, the Audiovisual Media Authority has imposed the administrative measure “Calls for Attention” on 13 audiovisual media service providers for the legal violation of “Incitement to violence” in their audiovisual broadcasts.
In the past two days, audiovisual media service providers have been extensively covering the grave incident that occurred yesterday at the Court of Appeals premises in Tirana, where Judge Astrit Kalaja was fatally shot. Today’s news reports and field coverage have also included statements from a relative of the perpetrator, conveying messages that incite violence, revenge and vigilantism. The creation of television spaces that allow such intolerant attitudes has nothing to do with pluralism or freedom of expression, nor does it serve the public interest. Such calls only serve to promote, directly or indirectly, acts of violence and constitute a violation of the applicable legal framework.
The Law no. 97/2013, “On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania,” as amended, and the Broadcasting Code clearly stipulate that audio and audiovisual broadcasts must not use language that promotes, incites, or justifies violence among citizens.
Violence breeds violence!
Therefore, I once again call on all audiovisual media service providers to refrain from broadcasting content that promotes violence and revenge.
