Tirana, March 15, 2006

On March 15, 2006, the Albanian Helsinki Committee, in collaboration with the Forum of Free Thinking, and the Parliamentary Studies Center, organized a round table discussion on "Presumption of innocence and the role of the media".

The round table discussion sought to draw the attention of the media and other public actors to the importance that respect for the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence bears in protecting human dignity and human rights in general.

Attending the discussion were different representatives of the media, state institutions, the civil society, journalists, lawyers, etc.

Participants' discussions pointed out the special importance of the principle of presumption of innocence and a more accurate concept of this principle on the part of media representatives. Discussions also included negative experiences when this principle has been violated.

In organizing this round table discussion, the purpose was to sensitize media representatives about protecting individuals' reputation and human dignity in the important process of providing information.

Respect for the principle of presumption of innocence does not obstruct conveying information, but does call for an improvement of the language that is used. In this context, it is necessary to use the correct language that does no harm to news or to fundamental rights sanctioned by the Constitution for its citizens.

All speakers raised the issue of language used by public administration officials, mainly state officials, in which the principle of presumption of innocence is violated flagrantly, although there are rare cases of criminal proceedings following verbal accusations that politicians launch against each other.

To that effect, the round table discussion suggested that article 30 of the Constitution of the Republic of Albania on presumption of innocence be addressed also among parliamentarians and officials.

Discussions at the round table meeting also highlighted decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and those of the Constitutional Court regarding the significance of this principle.

This round table discussion was only the start of a long process in reforming provision of information to the public in keeping with constitutional principles and rights.