Analysis: Continued detention of elected mayor strains Albanian-Greek relations
TIRANA, Aug. 16, 2023 — The arrest and three-month-long pretrial detention of Fredi Beleri, the elected mayor of Himara, a coastal town in southwestern Albania, has ignited a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece and has prompted scrutiny on political influence on Albania’s justice system. Beleri is a key figure …
Multiple arrests made in high-profile corruption case linked to hospital sterilization concession
TIRANA, Aug. 17, 2023 – In a significant move that follows years of public accusations on ruling party officials, Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has made several arrests connected to a contentious hospital sterilization concession granted eight years ago. Among those arrested were former Deputy Minister …
Op/Ed: The Beleri case as bellwether for democracy in Albania
By GENC POLLO The standard definition of a political prisoner is “someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner’s detention”. If it still holds Albania might have gotten one. Fredi Beleri, who ran on an opposition ticket in the local …
Father and son arrested for cannabis cultivation
Father and son were arrested this Wednesday morning for cannabis cultivation in Lazarat village. The 51-year-old and the 28-year-old were caught by drones used in the operation, tending to the 50 cannabis plants they had planted in the yard of their apartment. The drug was seized as material evidence while …
SPAK-Guardia di Finanza Operation, six arrested on drug trafficking
New details have been revealed from the international anti-drug operation developed by the Albanian police in cooperation with the Italian Guardia Di Financa and the American DEA. Journalist Xhensila Kodra reports that the 4 rafts left on Tuesday afternoon from Patoku, while the sailboat left from Montenegro. More than 20 …
Teen died as two Jet Skis collide in Himara
A 16-year-old man who was driving one of the two Jet Skis that collide on Tuesday afternoon on the beach of Llamani in Himare has died. The 16-year-old was transported to Tirana but could not survive. Initially, it was reported that they jumped from the cliff into the sea, but …
“We will punish anyone who violates the law”, Balla visits injured policeman in Himara
The Minister of the Interior Taulant Balla and the Director DVP Vlora Ermal Muçaj were present at the Vlora Regional Hospital, to visit the Police officer, who is receiving treatment at this hospital, after he was stabbed yesterday evening during the out-of-hours intervention to prevent the escalation of a conflict. …
A policeman was stabbed by a 60 year old
A police officer was stabbed after he intervened to stop a conflict between several people in Himare. The incident took place around 11:00 pm on Tuesday near Pilur village turn. The 28-year-old, on duty as a police inspector in the Lukovo area, was crossing the street outside of working hours …
SPAK sends the file for trial for former mayor Fran Tuci
The Special Anti-Corruption Structure has completed the investigations and sent the file for trial of the former mayor of Fushe-Arrezi Fran Tuci, who is accused of abuse of office and destruction of property. According to SPAK, the former mayor, in violation of the law, has allowed the opening of a …
Anti-drug operation in Tirana/ One of the arrested, part of ‘Self-determination movement’
Besnik Mujeci, one of the five arrested from the coded operation “PUNISHER 2”, in which a criminal group that trafficked from Kosovo to Albania narcotics, ecstasy, MDMA, was hit, turns out to be part of the Vetëvendosje Movement. More specifically, he is a member of the municipal assembly of Pristina. Two …
The Democratic Party has barred all rivals to Sali Berisha from its leadership contest this week – cementing his grip on the party but also, critics warn, undermining its credibility. Original post Here
The Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora conducted a monitoring visit to the National Film Archive of Albania. The committee reviewed the institution’s work and ongoing projects. It also assessed challenges and operational needs. Director Eljan Tanini presented the archive’s activities. He highlighted digitization efforts and cooperation with other …
The Albanian government approved new changes to the rules on the registration and use of plant protection products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proposed the amendments. The changes aim to improve the regulatory framework for phytosanitary products in agriculture. The new rules define the concept of “minor use.” …
TIRANA, May 21 – Students in Tirana have announced a protest on May 26 in Skanderbeg Square at 17:00. The Student Alliance said the march will continue from the square toward the Embassy of North Macedonia. They used the slogan “Albanianness is with Skopje” and called on all young people …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country on Thursday will be under relatively unstable atmospheric conditions. The weather will bring clear skies and alternating moderate and locally dense cloudiness in mountainous areas. Rainfall will be weak and local. It will mainly affect the east and south. …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision on the organisation and functioning of the market for fisheries and aquaculture products. It also defines the form and content of production and marketing plans for the sector. The decision was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture …
TIRANA, May 21 – Apollonia, one of the largest archaeological parks in the country, receives a high number of visitors of different nationalities every year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media today images of numerous tourists and visitors who have chosen to visit this ancient city. In these …
TIRANA, May 21 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, together with the European Union delegation in the country, held discussions with ambassadors of EU member states. In a social media post, Hoxha said the meeting focused on the ongoing reform process. It also covered the full range …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, said the project “Courtyards that Speak”, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and Himara municipality, aims to open the courtyards of five traditional stone houses in the coastal town of Himara. It presents them …
TIRANA, May 21 – Farmers in different regions of the country are expanding investments in agricultural production. They are increasing production capacities. They are directing products toward European markets. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, highlighted on social media the example of farmer Elton Biti in Divjaka …