Screenshot taken from @citizens.al
Suppressing independent voices in Albania
For several years in a row, the environment for free media and journalists in Albania is in decline. According to the Progress Report of the European Commission for 2023, only limited progress was made on the freedom of expression and the independence of media, and the atmosphere of verbal and physical attacks, smear campaigns and intimidation lawsuits against journalists has not improved.
“While the media freedom and freedom of speech has been in constant shrinking, these unprecedented attacks raise new challenges to independent voices in the country. We are fighting against a ‘digital army’ with a clear goal of shutting down our channels and breaking relationship with our audience,” said Lorin.
Regrettably, the cyber-attack on the Citizen’s Channel is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, two other organisations, Aleanca LGBT and Social Justice Organisation, fell victim to similar assaults. This alarming pattern shows a broader picture of the challenges not only facing the media but also threatening the civil society in the country. These attacks are reminders of the growing vulnerability of organisations striving to uphold freedom of expression and advocate for marginalised communities.
“When independent voices are silenced through targeted attacks, it not only undermines the pillars of democracy but also puts in danger the very essence of freedom of expression. We must collectively condemn such attacks and reaffirm our commitment to defending the principles of press freedom and democratic values, ensuring that every citizen’s rights to access information and make informed decision are protected,” said Klejda Ngjela, Civil Rights Defenders’ Programme Officer in Tirana, Albania.
Aligned with our core values and priorities, we extend our unwavering solidarity to Citizens Channel and urge the authorities to take swift action in response to the attacks. It is imperative that the attacks should stop, and thorough investigations are conducted. Furthermore, we call upon the authorities to strengthen cybersecurity measures and safeguard the freedom of the press and media organisations.
Source link : https://crd.org/2024/04/12/we-are-fighting-against-a-digital-army-albanias-citizens-channel-faces-cyber-attacks/
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Publish date : 2024-04-12 07:00:00
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