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 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival is taking place in Pogradec. It brings days filled with film, culture, taste, and inspiring encounters. First, the festival runs from June 23 to June 27. It includes screenings, artist talks, and culinary activities. As a result, it offers a …
Albania is continuing its efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption in line with European standards. State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said that the European Union’s Anti-Corruption Directive provides an important roadmap for advancing reforms in the country. Speaking about discussions held under the EU4GG project, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to questions from France 24 regarding protests against the development project in Zvërnec. During the interview, Rama said that several external actors are attempting to influence the debate surrounding the project. According to Rama, these interventions include cyber-related activities linked to Iran, as well …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, known as SASPAC, continues to support Albanian municipalities in accessing European Union programs and funding opportunities. Speaking at the meeting “Municipalities and Cohesion Policies,” SASPAC Director General Eridana Çano highlighted the agency’s efforts to help local governments participate in EU-funded …
President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tirana Prefecture, where he praised the institution’s historic role in strengthening public administration and connecting central government with local communities. During his address, Begaj said that the prefecture’s establishment in 1926 reflected Albania’s commitment to modernization and the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama received Turkish Ambassador Ceyhun Erciyes in Tirana for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, both sides praised the excellent state of relations between Albania and Turkey and reviewed ongoing cooperation in several areas. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular …
The city of Korçë has completed work on the new Knowledge Hub, a modern campus designed to provide students with high-quality academic and professional training opportunities. Mayor Sotiraq Filo shared images of the new facility on social media and announced the completion of the project. According to Filo, the campus …
Corruption remains one of Albania’s most stubborn obstacles toward development and its dream for European integration. Although the country marked its biggest historical leap in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for the year 2024, climbing by 18 places to rank 80th out of 180 states, corruption continues to cast roots …
The heatwave affecting Albania in recent days has brought high temperatures across the country, raising concerns about the impact on public health. Elderly people, children and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable groups. In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain …
AAK political representative Labinot Bislimi was featured in a post shared by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday. In his post, Rama highlighted a statement by Bislimi, in which he described the recent protests in Albania as being organized with what he called anti-national motives. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s …