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Albania Prosecutors Seek Former Deputy PM Arben Ahmetaj’s Arrest

Arben Ahmetaj, a long-time member of Albania's parliament and former Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister is facing a request from prosecutors for his arrest on charges of corruption and money laundering.

Ahmetaj, 54, holds parliamentary immunity, so the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, has asked parliament for permission to arrest him.

Sacked Albanian Judge ‘Didn’t Get Fair Hearing’: Strasbourg Court

The European Court of Human Rights, ECHR ruled on Tuesday that Albanian had violated former Supreme Court judge Admir Thanza's right to a fair and impartial hearing when he was dismissed from his position after failing a vetting process.

However, the Strasbourg court found that his dismissal was not a violation of his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Albania Mayor Resigns Over Sex Tape Scandal

The Mayor of Kukes, Safet Gjici, has resigned following publication of a tape showing him having sex in his office.

Albania's prosecution SPAK told BIRN that it had started a criminal proceeding about the case though it is not clear what the exact charges might be. Most likely he might face charges of "abuse of duty".

Albanian, Italian Authorities Conclude Operation Against Drug Gang

Albania's Special Prosecution, SPAK, in collaboration with Bergamo prosecutors in Italy have announced the conclusion of an operation that resulted in the seizure of large amounts of drugs in Italy.

The criminal group responsible for the drug-running was led by three Albanians, according to the special prosecutor. Twenty other persons face trial as part of this criminal group.

Albania Journalist Union ‘Expected’ Public TV Director’s Arrest

Albania's Special Court on Monday confirmed the decision by the Special Prosecution Against Organized Crime and Corruption, SPAK, on Friday to arrest the former General Director of Albanian Radio National Television, RTSH, Thoma Gëllçi, for abuse of duty over a tender worth about 708,000 euros.

Albanian Police Arrested in International Anti-Drug Trafficking Raids

A screen from Italian police footage showing drug seizures during the operation.

Among those arrested are both current and former Albanian police officers. SPAK described two of the arrested as officers who "at the time when they carried out their illegal activities in 2016 were members of the staff of the [then] Minister of Interior".

Albania Arrests ‘Corrupt’ Judge and Aides Over Suspicious Prison Releases

Albania's Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime, in Tirana. Photo: LSA

An investigation carried out by Albania's Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, has resulted in 13 persons, including a judge, Enkeleida Hoxha, two doctors, a defence lawyer and some private citizens, facing corruption charges.

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