Tirana Mosque Stabbing Shocks Albania’s Muslims

Albanian police in the capital Tirana, August 25, 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/Malton Dibra

"At around 14:30, on Kavaja Street, a citizen entered the premises of a religious cult (mosque) and in still unclear circumstances injured five citizens with a sharp tool," the police said in a press release.

The suspect, identified as R.N., 34, from Burrel, is under arrest and his wounded victims are in hospital and not in danger, reports said.

Quoting police sources, local media reported that the attacker had been suffering from depression. He was declared wanted by the police over another stabbing incident in March.

An imam, or Muslim cleric, condemned what he called "a barbaric act" but said: "The situation is now under control and there is nothing to worry about" in a message shared in social media.

"I pray to God Almighty to heal our wounded people. I hope it was not a terrorist act, but we hope it was one of the mentally handicapped who did it," he added.

The head of Albania's Muslim Community, Bujar Spahiu, said he was still seeking clarification of this event. "We ask the relevant bodies to clarify as soon as possible this event which has hurt believers during these days of Ramadan," he said.

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