Opposition lawmakers and residents marched in Shkodra on Saturday, protesting a recent surge in organized crime following a deadly attack in the city that claimed three lives, including an innocent bystander.
Carrying banners that read, “Civilization is stronger than crime! They are killing us; we must respond!” demonstrators gathered outside Shkodra’s municipal building, then moved through central streets to the “Mother Teresa” square. They paused briefly in silence outside the prefecture’s office in memory of the victims.
The protest followed an attack on October 30 that left three people dead, including Flutura Basha, an innocent resident, and her husband seriously injured.
Democratic Party General Secretary Flamur Noka told reporters in Shkodra that authorities must take stronger action to curb criminal activity. “Albania, which has opened EU negotiation chapters and is a NATO member, cannot be a haven for organized crime, the cradle of the mafia,” Noka said, calling the police “off-track” and focused on stifling opposition rather than enforcing the law.
The rally also included Democratic Party MP Luçiano Boçi, who said the situation underscored the need for a transitional government. “Shkodra and the citizens of Albania are demanding it,” Boçi stated. “We are here to support citizens, to make it clear that their fight is also ours.”
Bardh Spahia, former mayor of Shkodra, called the attack a tragedy that has shaken the city, lamenting that public confidence in state institutions had waned due to alleged links between officials and organized crime.
Albania has seen rising public frustration over crime, as well as calls for more effective policing and accountability as authorities work to address these concerns.
