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 …
One injured as bus collides with car in Fier
An accident happened on Monday morning at the exit of the city of Fier, where a bus of the Fier-Marinze line collided with a “Benz” and ended up in the yard of an apartment. As a result of the collision, there were material damages, while as a result of the …
Former PM didn’t appear at SPAK for third time
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha violated the court’s decision for the third time this Monday, as he would have to appear this Monday in front of the SPAK for the security measure ‘obligation to appear’ and prohibition to go abroad as part of the investigations into the issue of Partizani …
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. 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, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of the initiative itself, but because of the way Albania’s leadership chose to stage and communicate it domestically. The Peace Board represents a new and ambitious international …
Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic …
The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s main opposition party returned to the streets on Saturday with a second national protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama, challenging the legitimacy of his fourth term …