Albanian Activists Condemn Govt ‘Trick’, Paving Way for Investments in Protected Areas
Edi Rama’s government is attempting to radically change the law on protected areas, paving the way for construction for ‘strategic purposes’ and skipping the public consultation process. Original post Here
Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania
John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas
Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here
Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention
Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Socialists ‘Fishing for Votes’ to Pardon Corrupt Officials
Ruling Socialists face accusations that they are the real movers behind an opposition MP’s proposal to widen an amnesty to include officials sentenced for corruption and organised crime. Original post Here
Turkey-Albania Media Deal Risks ‘Exporting Erdogan’s Propaganda’ – Experts
New media cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday may well strengthen Turkish government propaganda in the Albanian media, experts warn. Original post Here
BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
An agreement providing 136 million Euros of EU grants for the rehabilitation of the Vorë-Hani i Hoti railway line was signed today, at the House of Europe, in Tirana, by the Minister of Finance Ervin Mete, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and Head of EBRD in Albania Ekatarina Solovova. The funds …
Today is the second day of the plenary session. The last session for this parliamentary session. Yesterday’s session was accompanied by debates between the parties, where the report of the head of the Supreme State Audit was discussed. This Friday, the main topic will be the agreed draft for the …
The preliminary hearing for Ilir Beqaj and the other persons accused of the “Sterilization” file is postponed for the umpteenth time. The reason was the absence of one of the lawyers. The former Minister of Health was present at the session and requested that through a statement he opposes the …
Another amendment has been submitted to the assembly regarding the draft law on changes to the Electoral Code. Journalist Fjona Xhafaj reports for ABC News that the letter was signed by 26 women MPs. The women’s group was joined by the chairmen of the Bledi Çuçi and Gazment Bardhi groups. …
Ish-zëvendësministri rus i Mbrojtjes, Dmitry Bulgakov është arrestuar për korrupsion, sipas Shërbimit Federal të Sigurisë të Rusisë. Gjithashtu po kryhen masa operativo-kërkimore për identifikimin e shkaqeve dhe kushteve që kanë lehtësuar veprimtarinë e paligjshme. Bulgakov ishte përgjegjës për mbështetjen materiale dhe teknike të ushtrisë ruse. Russia’s FSB detained the former …
The UN has recognized the Srebrenica massacre as genocide by a majority vote. With this decision, the international community gives a warning signal against any form of genocide. And the role of Mrs. Del Ponte for hiding the truth. By SYLË UKSHINI* On May 23, the United Nations General Assembly approved …
TIRANA, July 25, 2024 – Albania’s two largest political parties — the ruling Socialist Party and the main opposition Democratic Party — have reached a deal to make significant changes to the country’s electoral code ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. Key changes include only partially opening candidate lists so …
The operation “Bjeshket”, carried out in cooperation with the Albanian police and the police of Montenegro, is finalized. The director of the Shkodra Police, Edmond Sulaj, in a communication to the media, emphasized that hundreds of thousands of cannabis plants were destroyed by this operation. Accordingly, during this action, 11,358 …
TIRANA, July 24, 2024 – The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a grant agreement with the Municipality of Tirana to establish Qatar Square, a significant development in the heart of Albania’s capital. The €11 million project, to be built on 23,700 square meters, aims to transform the end …
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has closed the investigations and submitted the file of lawyer Petraq Semani for trial. The investigation showed that Petraq Semani, as the legal defender of the citizen Llazar Dine, asked the citizens Llazar Dine and Sidorela Dine for the monetary amount of 25,000 Euros, after he …