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Free
speech can’t be subdued through violence
14.03.2008
The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC)
expresses its indignation over the violence used
on March 10 of this year by MP Tom Doshi against
reporter Besar Likmeta who works for the
regional agency BIRN (Balkan Investigative
Reporting Network).
AHC deems it necessary to react
publicly not only because such acts are legally
punishable, but also because of the fact that
they violate freedom of the press, a right
sanctioned in our Constitution.
AHC condemns this act also
because it was committed by a Member of
Parliament, whose duty is not only to respect
journalists, but also protect freedom of speech.
In the opinion of AHC, even the
motive for using violence against journalist
Besar Likmeta is poor. Mr. Doshi chose the most
brutal way to respond to public criticism, thus
ignoring the right of the media to be informed
and inform, to investigate, and denounce.
The act of violence against the
journalist in a public space, at the same time,
expresses the wrong and unacceptable concept
that a person enjoying immunity can commit,
without being punished, even arbitrary acts.
This runs against the constitutional principle
that all are equal before the law.
State dignitaries, politicians,
and members of parliament should be particularly
attentive to criticism from the media, even when
such criticism is harsh.
Having been appointed or elected
to their positions, they are obliged to observe
the law rigorously, protect the cleanliness of
their moral figure, not criticize, and not
accept abusive and illegal privileges.
The media has notified that MP
Doshi has apologized for the committed act.
Although this is an elementary act of
reflection, AHC believes that competent
authorities need to investigate quickly and
objectively the conditions, circumstances, and
motives that led to the exercise of violence
against the journalist who was carrying out his
public and professional duty.
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