It is summer day, celebrations nationwide
Albania celebrates Thursday the Summer Day, a “traditional” holiday for the country. In fact, the day supposedly has its origins in ancient pagan rites which were practiced thousands of years ago by the Illyrian tribes living in the western Balkans – and legend has it that these rites have been …
Begaj hosted by his counterpart in Azerbaijan: Energy and tourism are at the top of the agenda
The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Azerbaijan where he was received in a meeting by his counterpart Ilham Aliyev. Begaj I shared details of the meeting through a photo published on the X social network while writing: Productive meeting with my dear friend. …
The gun attack in Shkodra/ Balla: I believe in the team leading the investigation
At the end of the government meeting, the Minister of the Interior Taulant Balla responded to the interest of the media regarding the assassination attempt the day before in Shkoder. “In the last 7 months, we have a historic number of identification, finding and extradition of high-risk persons. Last week …
A minor arrested for selling cannabis
A 17-year-old boy was put in handcuffs in implementation of the measures defined in the nationwide operational plan “Tempulli 2”, where the coded police operation “The Supplier” was finalized. The minor, a resident of Durrës, was transporting cannabis seeds for sale. During the physical check and his bag, the Police …
First extradition from Dubai, thief of millions of euro to face justice
First extradition from Dubai to Albania was realized this Wednesday. After long negotiations, today will be extradited to Albania the first prisoner, Bruno Cobo, who was declared wanted by the Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) for theft through fraud. Cobo in collaboration with 16 other persons, stolen nearly millions of …
Gun attack in Shkodra/ Injured witness: We did not see the perpetrators, we have no conflicts with anyone
The testimony of policemen Gjergj Ndershtiqaj and Gjon Nika, who were injured on Tuesday evening in Grudë e Re in Shkodër, is revealed. They stated that they did not see the people who shot at them as soon as they got out of the car and claimed that they had …
“Gerdec case”, the hearing session for Fatmir Meidiu ends
The former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, refused to answer the questions of SPAK prosecutors in the capacity of the defendant. He made a statement in court, where he said that he would only answer the questions of the lawyers and at that stage, according to him, even the prosecutors …
January 21 to be investigated by SPAK”/ The Supreme Court examines the request of Aleks Nika’s family members
The Supreme Court is expected to consider today the request of the family members for the 4 murders on the boulevard on January 21. More specifically, the panel composed of judges Ilir Panda, Sokol Binaj and Sander Simoni, will consider the request of Aleks Nika’s family members, who request that …
The murder of the 19-year old in Fier, new details revealed
New details have emerged from the murder of 19-year-old Grei Bihuci, who was killed on Monday morning in the center of the city of Fier, after a fight with his peers. According to the police, another 17-year-old was arrested who, in cooperation with 18-year-old Florian Muka, killed Bihuci. So, the …
SPAK: January 21, not a calculated crime
The Supreme Court is examining the request of the family members of Aleks Nika, killed in the protest of January 21, 2011, who request that the file of “January 21” be transferred to SPAK. Lawyer Idajet Beqiri has stated that the case is procedural and they demand that SPAK register …
Intimidation of journalists working for independent media in Albania is getting worse, as state-level and local officials attempt to silence critical voices, both online and face-to-face. Original post Here
Tough European Commission report takes Serbian democratic backsliding to task – while saying Montenegro will probably be the first among the current candidate countries to join the EU. Original post Here
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
Delays and drug shortages in the public healthcare system force hundreds of Albanian women every year to seek expensive, private treatment for breast cancer. Original post Here
MTV is shutting down its European music video channels, which were once symbols of freedom for many young people in the Balkans and the former Eastern Bloc. Lida Hujic had a front-row seat when the channel was at its peak. Original post Here
Tirana, October 31, 2025 Former Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the reformist leader who transformed the country’s Communist Party into a modern European-style Socialist Party and who steered Albania through several of its most turbulent post-communist years, has died at the age of 73. Nano a figure at once admired, …
Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …
Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here
— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …
In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here