Mandates council to discuss SPAK’s request for former PM’s arrest
Council of Mandates will convene this Monday at 12:00 in the Presidency of the Assembly to consider the request of Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK), which requires the granting of authorization for the arrest of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. For weeks, Berisha refused to appear before the special court, …
Shkodra youth busted hauling illegal migrants
A 22-year-old from Shkodra was arrested this Sunday in the framework of police operation coded “Station”. Police revealed that the young man was caught red-handed transporting immigrants from third countries, who intended to cross illegally from Albania to the EU countries, against the amount of 500 Euros per person. Vehicle …
Turkish man accused of ‘participation in murder’ arrested in Tirana
A 48-year-old Turkish man was arrested in Tirana as part of the police operation codenamed “Istanbul”, as reported this Sunday. Hasan Ozcan was declared internationally wanted, after the Court of Serious Crimes in Istanbul, Anatolia, Turkey, sentenced him to 3 years and 28 days in prison. Ozcan is accused of …
New details on Peqin prison handgun killing
ABC News has provided footage of the police inspection of the apartment where Sokol Mjacaj used to live in Prekal, Shkodra. The conditions in this apartment, as it seems from the images provided by journalist Ervin Leka, are in a bad state, while it is said that his father lived …
Duty abuse, SPAK seeks 3.6 years in prison for former Mayor of Bulqiza
Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has announced this Friday the claim against the former mayor of Bulqiza, Lefter Alla, seeking 3.6 years in prison. SPAK demands 4 years of imprisonment for Erion Isak and Rasim Daci (2.8 years with a shortened trial), 3 years in prison for …
Two Albanians busted with 54 Kg of drugs in Greece
54 kilos of marijuana that were being transported from Albania to Greece, have been caught in Thessaloniki. For the quantity of drugsz the 49-year-old driver of the vehicle and the 58-year-old van driver, both Albanians, were arrested. During checks inside the vehicle, the officers found 4 plastic canisters containing 20 …
Socialist Party seeks exclusion of three opposition MPs from Parliament’s proceedings
Socialist Party (SP) has requested to exclude three opposition MPs from the work of the Assembly for ten days, as revealed this Friday. This request is related to yesterday’s episodes in the Parliament, where some MPs became protagonists in the hall by throwing lighters and cigarette lighters. It is about …
Peqin prison inmate dies after altercation with another person
A fight between convicts was reported today in the prison of Peqin, were involved are Sokol Mjacaj, Arben Lleshi and Lir Xhakja. ABC learns that the convict Arben Lleshi has lost his life, after being shot with a firearm. In the meantime, the authorities have immediately started the investigative work …
Reflecting higher emigration, remittances to Albania hit decade high
TIRANA, Dec. 14, 2023 – Reflecting renewed emigration, remittances to Albania during 2022 saw a significant increase, reaching the highest levels of the past decade, data released by Eurostat this week reveals. According to Eurostat, remittances exceeded €1.2 billion in 2022, a 5.8% increase compared to 2021. This high value …
Albanian Constitutional Court suspends approval of Rama-Meloni agreement
TIRANA, Dec. 14, 2023 – Albania’s Constitutional Court has suspended the approval process for the contentious deal with Italy to establish a third-country migrant processing camp in Albania under Italian jurisdiction. The court has instructed parliament not to proceed with the vote on ratifying the deal until the court makes …
TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …
TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …
TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …
Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …