Albania’s Beleaguered Ex-PM Attacks Media After Corruption File Leak
Albanian rights groups criticised threats voiced by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who claimed, without providing proof, that some journalists were serving the interests of prosecutors by reporting the corruption charges against him. Original post Here
‘Where I Belong’: The Charm, and the Challenges, of Small-Town Albania
For years, Albanians have been leaving behind small towns and villages for the capital, Tirana, or for life abroad. Some are drawn back, but it’s a choice that is not without challenges. Original post Here
Assassination attempt against former prosecutor Arjan Ndoj/ SPAK requires 30 years in prison for 5 defendants
On Tuesday, the special prosecution requested a sentence of 30 years in prison in total for the 5 people accused of the assassination attempt of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend Pëllumb Muharremi in November 2019. The attack took place near the Sukthi overpass on the Tirana Durres highway, …
Rama: Competition for the construction of new buildings for the administration
In Albania, the international competition for the development of the first two projects of the Albanian Investment Corporation is being held. There are 10 prestigious studios in the competition, which will present to the international jury the project ideas for 4 new developments, which will pave the way for a …
Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Madrid, declared wanted since 2014 by Europol
A 58-year-old Albanian, Haredin Fejzulla, who was wanted for drug trafficking since 2014, was arrested in Madrid. According to foreign authorities, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison in Belgium for 13 charges of drug trafficking, criminal organization and document forgery. The police in Madrid have also published footage …
Rama gathers political leaders and socialist mayors, focusing on the elections and the vote of the Diaspora
The Prime Minister of the country and at the same time the chairman of the Socialist Party Edi Rama will hold a meeting this Tuesday with political leaders and socialist mayors. Abc News learns that the meeting between them will be held at the “Palace of Congresses” at 14:00, while …
Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania Among World’s Worst in Household Waste Disposal – Report
New report lists three Balkan states among the ten countries worldwide where fewest people separate their household waste, causing problems for the environment and risks to health – with a lack of awareness largely to blame. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: August Marked by Online Bans and Pressure on Protesters
A fraudster’s attempts to deter online reports about him failed again, while BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations over the past month exposed shadowbanning by social media companies as well as government bans on platforms and content. Original post Here
Parliament’s disregard for Constitutional Court on Xhacka sparks local condemnations, EU, U.S. concerns
TIRANA, Sept. 14, 2024 – In a move that has raised major concerns among locals and the international community, the ruling Socialist Party in Albania’s parliament has again blocked the Constitutional Court from reviewing the mandate of former foreign minister and current MP Olta Xhaçka. The decision has been sharply …
Drugs near schools and nightclubs, 24 arrested
24 people have been arrested from Tirana police as part of the anti-drug operation “Temple 4”. Tirana police director Tonin Vocaj said that the group was distributing cocaine, marijuana and synthetic drugs near schools and nightclubs in different areas of the capital. 9 of them have been arrested before, who …
This week the Central Elections Commission (CEC) consolidated what was previously agreed between the two major political parties in Albania, SP and DP, when it comes to the composition of the MP candidate lists in the upcoming general elections on May 11,2025. According to the formula that will be applied …
Albanian artist Avni Delvina’s ‘Triumph’ exhibition playfully explores themes of the new US president as a Roman emperor, a Greek god and a ‘spirit of freedom’. Original post Here
The opening of two Italian-run migrant camps in northwest Albania was a short-lived boon for local villagers. The camps’ fate now hangs in the balance, as a test of Europe’s commitment to the rule of law, rights activists say. Original post Here
A firm linked to Jared Kushner was granted ‘strategic investor’ status just weeks before the new US president’s inauguration, even without a business plan or feasibility study for the construction of a luxury resort on an uninhabited island once used by the army for shooting practice. Original post Here
A convoy of politicians from Balkan countries has trouped to Washington for Donald Trump’s inauguration – some boasting about their invites, others making the trip simply to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the new president. Original post Here
At least 20,000 tonnes of hazardous waste have been illegally exported from Albania since 2020; experts say Albanian authorities are failing in their monitoring obligations. Original post Here
Declaring Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections “a miracle”, Sali Berisha said he will call on the new US administration to remove his ‘persona non grata’ designation, which he called a “corrupt” decision. Original post Here
Civil society groups in Albania have questioned the rationale behind an announced 12-month ban on TikTok in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old. Opposition parties say PM Edi Rama’s decision is more about the upcoming election than child safety. Original post Here
Both the ruling Socialists and opposition conservatives spy potential dividends from a second Trump term in the White House. Original post Here
TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania has officially approved Jared Kushner’s ambitious plans to transform the uninhabited Sazan Island into a luxury eco-resort. The Albanian government’s Strategic Investments Committee granted strategic investor status to Kushner’s Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC late last month, just three weeks ahead of the return to …