diff --git a/gitea_create_release.py b/gitea_create_release.py
index 1033aec2..b46a461d 100644
--- a/gitea_create_release.py
+++ b/gitea_create_release.py
@@ -1,8 +1,13 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 
 import os
-import requests
 import sys
+from typing import Optional
+try:
+    import requests
+except ModuleNotFoundError:
+    print("ERROR: Python 'requests' package is required. Please install it (e.g., pip install requests).")
+    sys.exit(1)
 
 gitea_api_url = "https://gitea.psi.ch/api/"
 repo_owner = "mx"
@@ -63,7 +68,7 @@ def get_release_by_tag(version: str):
         sys.exit(1)
     return resp.json()
 
-def upload_file_to_release(version: str, file_path: str, name: str | None = None, label: str | None = None):
+def upload_file_to_release(version: str, file_path: str, name: Optional[str] = None, label: Optional[str] = None):
     """
     Upload a file as an asset to the release identified by the given version tag.