April 26, 2024

26.04.2024 – Albanian Prime Minister’s Response to Media Allegations

On 23 April 2024 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted regarding certain Albanian media outlets and their coverage of an investigative program aired on RAI3 (https://www.raiplay.it/dirette/rai3). In response to the program, which explored an agreement between Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concerning the transfer of migrants from Italy to Albania, Rama accused some media of perpetuating falsehoods and engaging in a campaign against Albania’s successes.

In response to the RAI3 program, Rama clarified that he had not engaged in any heated conversations with the director of RAI3, contrary to some media reports. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between truth and falsehoods, particularly in the era of rapid information dissemination.

Furthermore, Rama was stating that he had only requested a call to discuss what he deemed as slanderous accusations made in the program. He criticized the program for its portrayal of Albania and its people, likening it to past negative stereotypes perpetuated by some Italian media outlets.

You can see Edi Rama interview on Top Channel Albania here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_a9pVAiB_g

In addition to Rama’s response, Engjëll Agaçi, Secretary General of Prime Minister reacted after his name was mentioned by the Italian investigative show Report on RAI 3 and announced his intention to pursue a legal action. Agaçi expressed concern over the damage to his reputation caused by the program’s claims and emphasized the need for thorough verification of information before publication.

The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is monitoring the developments connected to this case.

South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.

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