Fatmir Xhafaj
Albania’s opposition violently interrupt parliament session after lawmaker is sentenced to prison
Albanian opposition lawmakers violently disrupted a Parliament session Monday to protest the imprisonment of a fellow legislator for alleged slander.
The conservative Democratic Party of Albania has long accused the ruling Socialist Party of usurping all the powers, including the judiciary, and staged violent protests against the government since 2013.
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's Interior Minister Quits, PM Names New Nominee
Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed the resignation of Albanian Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj on Saturday, naming his security advisor Aleksander Lleshi, a former General in the Albanian Army, as the new nominee for the post.
Thousands call for Albanian interior minister's resignation
Thousands of Albanian opposition supporters rallied in the capital Tirana on May 26 calling for the resignation of interior minister Fatmir Xhafaj, whose brother has been convicted of drug trafficking.
Albanian Opposition Stages Mass Protest Against Govt
Thousands of Albanians joined the anti-government protests held on Saturday in Albanian capital of Tirana, demanding resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj over alleged role in drug smuggling.
Protesters threw stones at the main government buildings. According to the police, 11 people were injured, mostly police officers.
Albania Opposition Plan Mass Protest Despite 'Treason' Charge
Albania's opposition Democratic Party and the Socialist Movement for Integration, LSI, have finalised their preparations for a major protest on Saturday in Tirana, demanding the resignation of the Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj, who they accuse of engaging in drug smuggling.
Albania PM Slates 'Fake' Claims About Minister's Brother
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the week-long attack by the opposition Democratic Party, which has claimed that Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj's brother was involved in drug trafficking, while opposition protesters continued to call for the minister's resignation.
Albania Minister's Brother Has Crime Ties, Opposition Claims
Albania's opposition Democratic Party on Monday followed up its week-long attack on Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj by claiming that his brother, Agron Xhafaj, who has a previous conviction in Italy for drug dealing, is still in the same business.
Albania Police Seek Vetting Process That is 'Fair'
Albanian police organisations called on Edi Rama's government to vet the state police next year in a fair way, and not let it serve as a showcase for his new Interior Minister.
Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj has issued a directive announcing the start of the vetting process in 2018, once the relevant legislation is adopted this year.
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Albania PM Removes Ministers 'To Focus On Election'
Three months ahead of parliamentary elections on June 18, Albania's Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the departure of four ministers, allegedly to focus on the upcoming election campaign.
Rama named the four as Interior Minister Saimir Tahiri, Health Minister Ilir Beqaj, Youth and Social Welfare Minister Blendi Klosi and Local Issues Minister Bledi Cuci.