‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
Old Albanian Woman Keeps Ancient Dress-Making Tradition Alive
A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here
Turkish Medical Leader Sentenced for Terror Propaganda Exits Prison
Turkish Medical Association leader and senior human rights activist – jailed for two years and eight months for terrorist propaganda – walks free on account of time already served. Original post Here
HRW Report: Southeast, Central Europe Backsliding on Human Rights
Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here
Gay Couple in Albania Eyes Strasbourg in Battle over Parental Rights
A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here
Student-led demonstrations turn into violent confrontations, with attacks on state institutions and luxury buildings amid allegations of systemic corruption, police brutality and a deepening political crisis. Tirana Times, October 14, 2026 – Albania’s capital descended into scenes resembling a war zone Wednesday as anti-government protesters attacked state institutions, set fires …
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …
Former Defence Minister Piro Vengu has reacted following acts of violence reported for the second consecutive day during protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a social media post, Vengu stated that students have the right to protest and express their concerns, but stressed that violence and vandalism serve no …