Albania PM Requests Extension of Post-Quake Emergency Powers

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday asked parliament for a three-month extension of emergency powers that were introduced after the deadly earthquake in Albania on November 26.

Rama claimed the extraordinary powers are needed while there are still post-earthquake tremors in the Tirana and Durres regions.

"Since the tremors, although with lower frequency and intensity, are continuing in the regions, [there is a need] to continue with measures undertaken in the framework of a situation of natural disaster," the request said.

According to Rama, during this period "media and other bodies for public information are obliged to refer to the official sources… and to avoid broadcasting sensitive information, not to spread panic to the public in any way".

Under the Albanian constitution, emergency powers can be granted only for as long as an emergency situation, such as war or a natural disaster, continues.

However, Rama is already facing criticism for misusing the powers, with critics claiming he is using them to push forward controversial laws which were criticised domestically and internationally before the earthquake.

On December 3, the Institute of Political Studies, a think-tank based in Tirana, issued a statement alleging "repeated verbal and institutional attacks by the Prime Minister against the media and journalists", which it said "pose a threat to the freedom of the media and the freedom of expression".

This was followed on December 6 by a statement from the Albania Helsinki Committee, backed by 22 media freedom NGOs in the country, demanding "transparency, consultations and respect for the constitution and the European Convention of Human Rights regarding the 'Anti-KCK' packages of laws".

The statement...

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