Elections and Reporting on Missing Girl Spur Digital Rights Violations Across Region
Romanian politicians mull social media restrictions; Turkey, Croatia, and other countries face surges in digital rights violations ahead of elections, while the rest of the region is shaken by misinformation on a missing girl in Serbia and phishing attempts. Original post Here
Exhibition in Former Albanian Labour Camp Puts Focus on Ex-Inmates
An interactive exhibition at the infamous communist labour camp and prison in Spac has brought visitors closer to the experiences of those who survived it. Original post Here
Albania’s Parliament Blocks Court Review of Former Minister’s Immunity
Ruling Socialists voted against sending the issue of the immunity of the ex-minister to the Constitutional Court, as the Court had demanded. Original post Here
Albania Builds Migrant Centre and Camp as Criticism Continues
Work has started in Albania to build a reception centre and camp to receive migrants from Italy – but activists and locals in both countries remain highly critical of the plan. Original post Here
UK Must Ensure Albanian Returnees’s Dignity, Expert Says
Communications expert from Tirana tells BIRN that Britain must ensure returnees’ ‘dignity, safety, and respectful treatment’, after a UK report said some Albanians returning voluntarily were kept waiting for weeks in detention. Original post Here
‘Coordinated’ Cyber Attack Targets Albania’s Online Citizens Channel
A major cyber attack on the online media outlet Citizens Channel by unknown perpetrators has raised fresh concerns about media freedom and access to independent information in Albania. Original post Here
‘R and M’: Albanian Officials Accused of Siphoning Public Funds via Frontmen
Two senior public officials in the Albanian capital, Tirana, stand accused of fixing state tenders to enrich a company they owned through front men. Original post Here
Seven Migrants Killed in Car Crash While Fleeing Albanian Police
Seven suspected migrants and an alleged people-smuggler were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed at high speed as the driver was trying to get away from the Albanian police. Original post Here
Boys Preferred: Sex-Selective Abortion Still Happening in the Balkans
In some parts of the Balkans, particularly among Albanians, a practice of selective abortion continues to cause a disbalance in the ratio of boys to girls born each year. Original post Here
Albania Sees Rise in Killings, Crime Starting from Toxic Online Content
Experts say legislation is needed to address toxic social media content that too often turns into offline violence in Albania, but there are fears authorities will seek again to exploit the issue for political gain. Original post Here