‘Coordinated’ Cyber Attack Targets Albania’s Online Citizens Channel
A major cyber attack on the online media outlet Citizens Channel by unknown perpetrators has raised fresh concerns about media freedom and access to independent information in Albania. Original post Here
UK Must Ensure Albanian Returnees’s Dignity, Expert Says
Communications expert from Tirana tells BIRN that Britain must ensure returnees’ ‘dignity, safety, and respectful treatment’, after a UK report said some Albanians returning voluntarily were kept waiting for weeks in detention. Original post Here
Albania Builds Migrant Centre and Camp as Criticism Continues
Work has started in Albania to build a reception centre and camp to receive migrants from Italy – but activists and locals in both countries remain highly critical of the plan. Original post Here
Albania’s Parliament Blocks Court Review of Former Minister’s Immunity
Ruling Socialists voted against sending the issue of the immunity of the ex-minister to the Constitutional Court, as the Court had demanded. Original post Here
Exhibition in Former Albanian Labour Camp Puts Focus on Ex-Inmates
An interactive exhibition at the infamous communist labour camp and prison in Spac has brought visitors closer to the experiences of those who survived it. Original post Here
Elections and Reporting on Missing Girl Spur Digital Rights Violations Across Region
Romanian politicians mull social media restrictions; Turkey, Croatia, and other countries face surges in digital rights violations ahead of elections, while the rest of the region is shaken by misinformation on a missing girl in Serbia and phishing attempts. Original post Here
Greece’s Ruling Party Fields Man Jailed in Albania as MEP Candidate
Fredi Beleri won a mayoral election in Albania in May last year but was put on trial for vote-buying, souring relations between Tirana and Athens. Original post Here
Shell Dashes Albanians’ Hopes of Major Oil Find
The government of Edi Rama has been talking up the potential of a major oil discovery beneath Mount Shpirag, but the discovery has yet to materialise. Original post Here
Plans to Allow Surrogacy in Albania Criticised by Opposition
A government proposal to extend the abortion time limit by two weeks and allow surrogacy was criticised by an opposition MP who called the practice a form of modern slavery for poor women. Original post Here
Human Rights Regressing in Many Balkan Countries – Amnesty Report
As a number of Western Balkan countries join the global trend toward authoritarianism, human rights are suffering, the latest Amnesty International report warns. Original post Here
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …