The parliamentary Laws Committee approved the two controversial draft laws on online media today. The Socialist majority is now expected to pass them in Parliament on December 19.

The so-called “anti-defamation package” has been harshly criticized by the OSCE, European Union, Council of Europe, opposition, international and local media organizations and journalists.

Two MPs in the committee voted against – Andi Përmeti and Adriatik Alimadhi. The voting took place while the opposition was holding a meeting with the media and journalists on the draft laws.