ALB
ENG
Press release
Subject: Press release concerning several media publications which unjustly attack Albanian Free Press
From: Spyros Sideris, publisher of Albanian Free Press, part of Independent Balkan News Agency LTD Media Group
In the recent days, following the publication of an article concerning claims about the existence of secret funds allocated for media in Albania and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a part of the Albanian press has reproduced this article and has targeted my media company in Albania.
Unfortunately, those who are looking to find witches and dragons in the fairy tale that they’re trying to make up, will not be able to find it.
Not because these are well hidden secrets, but because there are no secrets and no secrets funds.
What truly exists is a vision for free and independent journalism without fake news, filled with information, not influenced by business interests and by respecting the reader and his need for accurate and trusted information.
This is my commitment and the commitment of my colleagues and this is something which is intact. Perhaps, some people cannot understand the meaning of this, because they’re used to working differently.
In the 30 years that I’ve practiced journalism in Greece, UK and in the past six years that I’ve practiced it in the Balkans, I have gained credibility and praise by working hard. Not from the Greeks, but from foreign politicians, governments and news agencies.
Everyone is able to judge my work, in a negative or a positive way and I’m always open to criticism.
But, what I cannot tolerate is slander and attacks against my personal and professional integrity.
As a European citizen, as a journalist–member of the International Federation of Journalists and as a businessman in Albania, I shall exert my legal rights against all of those who will continue to publish fake news without having any proof, damaging me and my colleagues working for the company which is part of Independent Balkan News Agency LTD Group.
Albanian Free Press will continue its mission for independent information, democracy and freedom of press.