Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Madrid, declared wanted since 2014 by Europol
A 58-year-old Albanian, Haredin Fejzulla, who was wanted for drug trafficking since 2014, was arrested in Madrid. According to foreign authorities, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison in Belgium for 13 charges of drug trafficking, criminal organization and document forgery. The police in Madrid have also published footage …
Rama gathers political leaders and socialist mayors, focusing on the elections and the vote of the Diaspora
The Prime Minister of the country and at the same time the chairman of the Socialist Party Edi Rama will hold a meeting this Tuesday with political leaders and socialist mayors. Abc News learns that the meeting between them will be held at the “Palace of Congresses” at 14:00, while …
Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania Among World’s Worst in Household Waste Disposal – Report
New report lists three Balkan states among the ten countries worldwide where fewest people separate their household waste, causing problems for the environment and risks to health – with a lack of awareness largely to blame. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: August Marked by Online Bans and Pressure on Protesters
A fraudster’s attempts to deter online reports about him failed again, while BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations over the past month exposed shadowbanning by social media companies as well as government bans on platforms and content. Original post Here
Parliament’s disregard for Constitutional Court on Xhacka sparks local condemnations, EU, U.S. concerns
TIRANA, Sept. 14, 2024 – In a move that has raised major concerns among locals and the international community, the ruling Socialist Party in Albania’s parliament has again blocked the Constitutional Court from reviewing the mandate of former foreign minister and current MP Olta Xhaçka. The decision has been sharply …
Drugs near schools and nightclubs, 24 arrested
24 people have been arrested from Tirana police as part of the anti-drug operation “Temple 4”. Tirana police director Tonin Vocaj said that the group was distributing cocaine, marijuana and synthetic drugs near schools and nightclubs in different areas of the capital. 9 of them have been arrested before, who …
A 28 year old arrested for smuggling emigrants
A 28-year-old man was caught red-handed transporting some illegal immigrants to Montenegro. The young man was stopped by the border police services, on the road of the village of Vukpalaj, transporting 4 citizens from Afghanistan with the vehicle against payment, with the aim of illegally crossing the border. The vehicle …
Rama: 8.5 million tourists until August visited Albania
About 8.5 million tourists have visited Albania from January to August this year. The figures were published by Prime Minister Edi Rama, who says that these translate into a super promotion for the country. He says that in addition to the increase in the number, the geographical map of where …
Part of a criminal group, GJKKO left in prison former director of Lezha
Special Court has left in prison former police director of Lezha, Henrigert Mitri. He did not agree to give explanations as he is accused of debunking the anti-cannabis operations that were taking place in the Lezha region. There are suspicions that he managed the cultivation of cannabis in Lezha and …
Sali Berisha to remain under house arrest, court rejects his appeal
The Court of Special Appeals has decided to leave in force the “house arrest” security measure for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi. The former prime minister was taken as a co-defendant with Malltezi for the investigation file of the privatization of the former Partizani complex. …
Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …