The SafeJournalists Network is following the implementation of new rules on media access at Albania’s Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO), which entered into force on 1 September 2026. The Court handles some of Albania’s most important corruption and organised crime cases and is therefore regularly covered by journalists reporting on matters of high public interest.
On 7 August, SafeJournalists raised concerns about some of the media-related provisions of the new Internal Regulation and called for their review through consultation with journalists and media organisations.
Ahead of its entry into force, GJKKO published a Questions and Answers document on 31 August which provides useful clarification on some of the issues previously raised. In particular, the Court confirmed that journalists without accreditation may still attend public hearings under the same conditions as members of the public, subject to available space. It also clarified that accredited journalists normally do not need prior authorisation to attend public hearings and that special access-management procedures should apply only where circumstances such as limited capacity, security or high public interest make them necessary.
SafeJournalists welcomes these clarifications. At the same time, some questions remain regarding how the new system will affect journalists’ work in practice.
The accreditation form requires personal and professional information including the applicant’s residential address, while freelance journalists must provide evidence of journalistic activity during the previous 12 months. The accompanying declaration also confirms that journalists are generally required to deposit mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices before entering the courtroom. These are legitimate areas for further discussion regarding necessity, proportionality and the practical conditions needed for journalists to report promptly and accurately.
SafeJournalists encourages GJKKO to open a structured dialogue with journalists and their representative organisations during this initial period of implementation, and to agree on an early review of the media-related arrangements after the first month. The review should consider practical experience from both journalists and Court staff, particularly regarding accreditation requirements, the use of ordinary electronic working tools and communication with the media, with a view to making proportionate adjustments where needed.
The Network remains available to contribute constructively to this dialogue and will continue to follow the implementation of the regulation.
The SafeJournalists Network will inform relevant national and international stakeholders about this matter and will continue to monitor the implementation of the regulation.
Pristina – Skopje – Sarajevo – Zagreb – Belgrade – Podgorica – Tirana, September 5, 2026
Association of Journalists of Albania
Association of Journalists of Kosovo
Association of Journalists of Macedonia
BH Journalists Association
Croatian Journalists’ Association
Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia
Trade Union of Media of Montenegro
