PRIME MINISTER ACCUSES MEDIA OF LINKS TO MAFIA, MEDIA REACTS

Prime Minister Sali Berisha declared in March 28th’s government meeting that media in Albania is linked to mafia groups, which use the media in order to demonize certain government representatives and actions, especially its battle against corruption. The same charges were made by the Minister of Justice next day in Parliament, who reacted against opposition’s attacks on this issue. After these declarations there was an outcry of media editors and owners, demanding for specific facts and names that Prime Minister had to supply, as well as provide the prosecuting authorities with the necessary information in order to start any lawsuits. In their statements they doubted first of all the existence of mafia in the country and then indicated that if the Prime Minister has any facts on this issue it is his duty to present the information to the judicial authorities.