Sander Lleshaj

Albanians Trade Accusations Over Beach Security After Child’s Death

Albanians are calling for better beach security and protection after a series of accidents and disasters, the latest being the death of a seven-year-old child on Tuesday, killed by a speedboat that was passing near where people were swimming.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has dismissed the concern, however, saying that "until yesterday, this has been the most secure [summer] season".

Albania Street Clashes Continue Despite Interior Minister’s Resignation

Albania protester threw a stone against police in this photo of 10 December 2020 in Tirana. Photo: LSA

Prime Minister Edi Rama dismissed suggestions that the fatal shooting of the unarmed citizen was a result of a police culture of violence and called the event "an isolated one" - while announcing that Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj had offered his resignation.

Albania Police Injured as Protests Over Shooting Turn Violent

Protest against police violence in Tirana on December 9, 2020. Photo: LSA

Hundreds joined separate protests in Tirana, Shkodra, Durres, Bulqiza and other towns, some demanding the resignation of Sander Lleshaj, the Minister of Interior.

Albania has officially banned street protests due to the COVID-19 pandemic but people across the county on Wednesday defied the orders.

Albania Trades Blame With Airport Company for Plane Robbery

Austrian Airlines plane on Tirana International Airport on April 9, 2019. The plane was attacked by armed robbers who left the scene with millions of euros. Photo: Malton Dibra/LSA

Tirana International Airport SHPK, owned by Hong Kong-based China Everbright Limited, claimed that responsibility for responding to such major security breaches lay with the Albanian police.