As requested by the General Prosecutor’s Office, on 14-15 May 2018, an international expert of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ), Ms Brigitte Koppenhöfer, trained chiefs of prosecutorial offices across Albania and potential future ‘media prosecutors’ on their role towards the media. The purpose of this activity was to contribute to increasing the transparency of justice, the quality of reporting of criminal cases by the media, and improving public trust, in line with the justice reform. Practical examples from other European countries were presented to use efficiently communications tools such as websites, press releases and media statements to report on legal proceedings and in particular sensitive cases. In addition, the CEPEJ expert presented a proposal for draft communication guidelines for the judiciary which were prepared following her first visit in February 2018 and which seek to impact positively on the relationship between the media and the judiciary. Suggestions made by prosecutors will be included in the current draft to be addressed to the new justice institutions: the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council.

This activity took place under the Action "Strengthening the efficiency and quality of the justice system in Albania - SEJ II", which is part of the programme entitled "Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Turkey", co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe.