Man who stalked, abused young woman arrested in Tirana
A person was arrested this Wednesday morning in Tirana during the “Following” coded police operation. This citizen, 33 years old, a resident of Lushnje, stalked a 24-year-old woman, abused her and threatened her to withdraw the report she filed against him a few days ago. His arrest was made by …
Deputy Mayor of Kukes suspended on corruption charges
Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) suspended this Wednesday the deputy mayor of Kukes Municipality, Granit Gjana, on the charge of violation of tenders equality. According to SPAK, Ghana, in violation of the law, did not provide an authorization for the use of fuels to an entity competing for a tender worth …
Cocaine smuggler arrested in North Macedonia-Albania border
A 59-year-old man was arrested in Blata, on the border with North Macedonia, as part of the “Border” police operation, a follow-up to the “Temple” coded mega-operation. Rami Çela carried out the activity of distributing cocaine in the city of Peshkopia, near schools and in various premises. Based on police …
Former director of Fushe Kruja left in prison for domestic violence
Former director of the Fushë Kruja prison, Durim Tosku, will remain in prison, as the Court of Korça decided this Tuesday, leaving the “Arrest in prison” security measure in effect. He is accused of the criminal offenses “Domestic violence and possession of weapons without a permit. Tosku has denied the …
Teen busted for possession of cannabis seeds by Shkodra police
An 18-year-old was handcuffed this Tuesday in the Selcë village of Malësi e Madhe, in the framework of police mega-operation coded “Tempulli”. During the physical check carried out by the police services, a bag with 156 cannabis seeds was found on the young man, which he was going to sell. …
Today the next hearing session for Fredi Beleri
This Tuesday at 15:00 the trial for the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, will take place. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that the last session was accompanied by debates. The witness Abdyl Rama, the brother of the associate of justice Arsen Rama did not appear at the session. …
Renown Albanian Actor dies at 75
Famous Albanian actor, Mirush Kabashi has passed away at the age of 75, as announced this Tuesday. This news was made known by his family members through an announcement, saying that he died after midnight. However, cause of the known actor’s passing is not yet known. “Dear Friends, Colleagues and …
Lezha prison inmate chocked to death by food
Inmate Gëzim Petriti, convicted for the criminal offense of “Attempted murder”, died this MOnday in Lezha prison, after his breathing was blocked while eating. Following the incident, Petriti was immediately given first aid by the doctor on duty, who found signs of life. Immediately, you were sent by ambulance to …
Lot for JAC’s 2024 members casted, results unveiled
Lot was cast this Monday for the election of new members of the Judicial Appointments Council (JAC) for 2024. Lot was cast in the premises of the Presidency, from where Sokol Ngresi was chosen as the winner, while Dariel Sina will be the substitute. So far, Elsa Toska has been …
Begaj’s message on 111th Anniversary of Armed Forces’ creation
President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj congratulated this Monday the Armed Forces of Albania on the 111th anniversary of its establishment. In a special message on social networks, President Begaj states that the Armed Forces are a national pride that have successfully managed to hold up the flag and the …
Whether it’s political crises, corruption or political monopolies, our Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlight the stalemates that so often hold the region back. Original post Here
Analysts and opposition MPs say Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public backing for his indicted deputy is a direct challenge to the fight against organised crime and corruption. Original post Here
Mayor Erion Veliaj looks on course to continue governing the city from his jail cell – after the Constitutional Court annulled his dismissal and PM Edi Rama said he will not call early elections in Tirana. Original post Here
In the first of her monthly dispatches from the heartland of the European Union, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at which Balkan states have been getting gold stars – or black marks – from the enlargement commissioners. Original post Here
1. The Last Cycle of Extremist Ideologies in the Old Continent – Council of Europe In 2011, the Council of Europe adopted the final version of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), which contained many useful provisions. However, Article 3(c), which …
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) November 11, 2025. The criminal charges filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku over the Llogara Tunnel project have pushed Albania’s flagship justice reform into uncharted territory, bringing prosecutors closer than ever to the core of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. The Special …
Albania’s smaller parties believe the country’s two main political forces unexpectedly agreed to work together on electoral reform in order to fix the system to maintain their dominance. Original post Here
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Tirana Times sat with the Head of the Taipei Representative office in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Tsao on his recent visit to Albania to talk about cooperation and exchange in technology, development, education and more… Your Excellency, Taiwan is known globally for its advanced technology and innovation sectors. What specific areas …