Albanian media for newsnews will be fined up to 8 thousand euros

The Albanian government has prepared the so-called anti-poised package, which changes the law for audiovisive media in Albania by imposing sanctions for false news and slander.

According to the draft, audiovisive service providers, including portals, should announce and present broadcast news in a genuine, impartial and objective manner.

Likewise, these media have an obligation to deal with the issues of public debate in a real and impartial way, as well as not to violate basic human dignity or rights. In the event of violating these obligations, then the media or portals will automatically be punished with fines, ranging from 100,000 to 1 million dollars, Tch reports.

In addition to these violations, another that will be fined is that when the media fail to give the right to respond to persons whose dignity or reputation has been affected by the publication of facts and incorrect information. For this violation of the fine will be 800 grand. In all cases, according to the draft, the fine is imposed by the inspectors of the Audio Media Authority (AMA) and collected through the completion service.

In addition to the AMA fines, there will be a right, for portals that conduct three administrative offences envisioned in the law to suspend internet access for 24 hours. If the number of violations is higher, then the suspension of internet access goes up to seven days.

The anti-reporting package has been announced since before by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Except for fine punishment for the media and portals publishing false news it forces portals to register as well as implement laws in force for broadcasting advertising.