Albania's Parliament Dismisses Central Bank Governor

Lawmakers in Tirana have dismissed Bank of Albania governor Ardian Fullani, who was arrested earlier this week over a sum missing from the central bank's reserve.

The move was backed by an overwhelming majority of 72-6, after the bank's executive board pointed he had posed "a serious threat" to the institution's interests, BGNES wire service has reported.

Fullani, appointed in 2004, was serving a second seven-year term at the bank.

He is now charged with abuse of office, with USD 6.5 M missing from the treasury.

The former central bank head was detained and imposed house arrest earlier in September, following protests demanding his resignation in August.

Seventeen other employees have been detained alongside Fullani, who has denied any wrongdoing.