4 minutes agoErion Veliaj threat alerts free speech advocates, international organisations react
Periskopi(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)The publication of two identities by Erion Veliaj, who have not been confirmed to stand behind two familiar pages, has alarmed international organisations, considering that Veliaj put the safety of those individuals at risk. On March 29th, Tirana chairman Erion Veliaj has made public the names of two individuals who, according to him, manage two [...]
On March 29th, Tirana chairman Erion Veliaj has made public the names of two individuals who, according to him, manage two anonymous pages “JOQ Albania” and “Lolita”, which criticises local and central power in Albania.
European Federation of Journalists Secretary-General Ricardo Gutierrez has said these sites help account power and the behaviour of Tirana's mayor is unacceptable.
“I am angry at the behaviour of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, in revealing the identity of administrators of Albanian Facebook pages Lolita and JOQ. These pages, though not entirely journalistic, help hold those who are in power through humor (if you like it)” responsible.
“Z. Veliaj has published the names and extremely private information of the families of these two people, assuming he identified them, putting them directly in physical danger. Just hours ago, he mentioned them again, saying police were heading towards them, suggesting that he might have been arrested”, EFJ Secretary writes, Express.
The German-based European Centre for Press Freedom and Media says public identification that Veliaj has made to two persons he suspects are behind two pages leads to concerns about their safety.
“We are shocked that Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj identified individuals who allegedly are behind two anonymous pages of Lolita and JOQ, thus leading to security concerns. Veliaj must immediately apologize and ensure that private individuals' identities are protected”, the EPCPMF response said.
