Albania/Audiovisual Media Authority/

Country

Albania

Title

Albania/Audiovisual Media Authority/

View full Case

Year

2021

Decision/ruling/judgment date

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Incident(s) concerned/related

Discrimination

Related Bias motivation

Religion

Groups affected

Muslims

Court/Body type

High regulatory authority

Court/Body

Albanian Audiovisual Authority

Key facts of the case

The Albanian Audiovisual Authority, responsible for overseeing audiovisual broadcasts, received a discrimination complaint regarding the program "Expuls" on "Ora News" TV, which was aired on October 17, 2021. The complaint alleged religious discrimination against Muslims. After analyzing the video material, violations of the "On Audiovisual Media" law and the Broadcasting Code were found. The broadcast, which discussed plastic surgery, featured remarks from the host and guests that were considered inappropriate, offensive, mocking, and derogatory towards a Muslim clergyman. These remarks, conveyed through video footage, were found to contradict the media's principles when discussing sensitive topics, including religion, both within the studio and with external connections.

Main reasoning/argumentation

During the program, the topic of plastic surgeries was discussed, and the Muslim clergyman, Bedri Lika, stated that they were not allowed by his religion. However, the host and guests in the studio responded with inappropriate, offensive, mocking, and derogatory remarks. These remarks were recorded on video and were found to violate the media's principles when addressing sensitive subjects, including religion. As a result based on the legal framework( Law No. 97/2013 "On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania," as amended, and the Broadcasting Code) it was requested the immediate cessation of the retransmission of the October 17, 2021 episode of the "Expuls" program and the editing or rectification of the video material on the official YouTube channel.

Is the case related to the application of the Framework Decision on Racism and Xenophobia, the Racial Equality Directive?

Key issues (concepts, interpretations) clarified by the case

Not publicly available

Results (sanctions, outcome) and key consequences or implications of the case

The Audiovisual Media Authority has consequently brought attention to the violations of Law No. 97/2013 "On Audiovisual Media in the Republic of Albania," as amended, and the Broadcasting Code. In response, it has requested the immediate cessation of the retransmission of the "Expuls" program dated October 17, 2021, along with the editing or rectification of the video material posted on the official YouTube channel.

Key quotation in original language and its unofficial translation into English with reference details

Not publicly available

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