Albania has announced a one-year ban on TikTok following the tragic killing of a teenager. The government has blamed TikTok, along with other social media platforms, for encouraging violence among youth, particularly within schools. Watch in for more details!



Albania Bans TikTok For A Year After School Stabbing

Albania To Ban TikTok For 1 Year After Teenager's Murder

Albania has announced a one-year ban on TikTok following the tragic killing of a teenager. The government has blamed TikTok, along with other social media platforms, for encouraging violence among youth, particularly within schools. Watch in for more details!

#GRAVITAS | In Albania, cheese made out of donkey milk is now being sold at €150. According to a restaurant owner in Albania's capital, demand for cheese seems to be rising despite its exorbitant cost for a plate. Some are even guessing it to be the most expensive cheese in the world. Watch this video to find out more.

GRAVITAS: In Albania, Cheese Made Out Of Donkey Milk Is Now Being Sold At €150

An Italian Coast Guard vessel collected migrants held in reception centers in Albania on Saturday to transfer them to Italy. This after a Court ruling dealt a blow to Italy's plans to house migrants picked up at Sea outside the EU.

Migrants Held In Reception Centres In Albania Brought To Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has praised a recent agreement with Albania aimed at managing migration flows, describing it as a "courageous" step forward. The deal focuses on enhancing cooperation between the two countries to address illegal migration and improve border security. Meloni emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure safe and legal pathways for migrants while tackling human trafficking. The agreement is seen as a key component of Italy's broader immigration strategy and highlights the government's commitment to addressing migration challenges in the Mediterranean region.

Italian PM Meloni Hails ‘Courageous’ Albania Migrant Deal

On 30 Sept, Albanian opposition politicians set fire to a pile of wooden chairs outside parliament in protest against the imprisonment of a fellow member. During the start of the regular parliamentary session, opposition members removed chairs from the chamber and ignited them on the steps of the building. Security guards promptly extinguished the flames.

Albanian Opposition Protest By Setting Chairs Ablaze Outside Parliament

Albanian Opposition Stages Protest, Setting Chairs on Fire Outside Parliament

Headlines of the hour: - Gallant: Probe Netanyahu for October 7 - Biden vows to finish the job - Biden's slip-up saga continues - NATO allies divided over Ukraine - Gallant: Probe Netanyahu for Oct 7 - Albania: Protesters hurl petrol bombs - US MIlitary destroys Houthi vessels - Nepal PM to take vote of confidence - Boeing warns of further delays

Boeing warns of further delays | Gallant: Probe Netanyahu for October 7 | WION Headlines

A searing heatwave is gripping large parts of the United States with record daily high temperatures in Oregon suspected to have caused four deaths in the Portland area. Watch in for more details!

Extreme heatwave across Albania, Serbia, Kosovo & Las Vegas

<p>Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians. The incident took place during the Group B match in Hamburg on Wednesday (Jun 19) when both sets of fans chanted "Kill, kill, kill the Serb".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football&nbsp; Association of Serbia, issued the threat and called upon UEFA to take strong action.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition," Surbatovic was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Serbian state-owned broadcaster RTS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We will demand from UEFA to punish the federations of both selections. We do not want to participate in that, but if Uefa does not punish them, we will think how will we proceed," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/euro-2024-denmarks-eriksen-who-suffered-cardiac-arrest-in-2021-scores-goal-after-1100-days-in-tournament-732325"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Euro 2024: Denmark's Eriksen who suffered cardiac arrest in 2021, scores goal after 1,100 days in tournament</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Serbian FA fined</strong></h2>

<p>Surbatovic also referred to the $15,000 fine imposed on the Serbian FA after&nbsp;objects were thrown and a provocative message was displayed during Serbia's Euro 2024 defeat by England on 16 June. Notably, the Serbian fans had displayed an&nbsp;ultra-nationalist banner proclaiming Serbian dominion over Kosovo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others. We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart, so I appeal to the fans to remain gentlemen," said&nbsp;Surbatovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-russian-ally-serbia-invade-kosovo-nato-boosts-forces-amid-escalating-tensions-641878"><strong>Watch | Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions</strong></a></p>

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<p>UEFA are yet to acknowledge the complaint made by the Serbian FA but if the Balkan country pulls out of the tournament, both Slovenia and Denmark,&nbsp;who they are scheduled to face, would be awarded a 3-0 win.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UEFA on Wednesday cancelled the credentials of a Kosovar journalist named Arlind Sadiku after he made a nationalist double-eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the match against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The gesture is provocative as it mimics the eagle on Albania's national flag. There have been several instances where making the said gesture has led to fights between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, who make up the vast majority of Kosovo's population.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians.

Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024, hours before their match against Slovenia, accusing Croatian and Albanian fans of chanting about the killing of Serbians. The incident took place during the Group B match in Hamburg on Wednesday (Jun 19) when both sets of fans chanted "Kill, kill, kill the Serb". Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, issued the threat and called upon UEFA to take strong action. "What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition," Surbatovic was quoted as saying by Serbian state-owned broadcaster RTS. “We will demand from UEFA to punish the federations of both selections. We do not want to participate in that, but if Uefa does not punish them, we will think how will we proceed," he added. Also read | Euro 2024: Denmark's Eriksen who suffered cardiac arrest in 2021, scores goal after 1,100 days in tournament Serbian FA fined Surbatovic also referred to the $15,000 fine imposed on the Serbian FA after objects were thrown and a provocative message was displayed during Serbia's Euro 2024 defeat by England on 16 June. Notably, the Serbian fans had displayed an ultra-nationalist banner proclaiming Serbian dominion over Kosovo. “We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others. We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart, so I appeal to the fans to remain gentlemen," said Surbatovic. Watch | Gravitas: Will Russian Ally Serbia Invade Kosovo? NATO Boosts Forces Amid Escalating Tensions × UEFA are yet to acknowledge the complaint made by the Serbian FA but if the Balkan country pulls out of the tournament, both Slovenia and Denmark, who they are scheduled to face, would be awarded a 3-0 win. UEFA on Wednesday cancelled the credentials of a Kosovar journalist named Arlind Sadiku after he made a nationalist double-eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the match against England. The gesture is provocative as it mimics the eagle on Albania's national flag. There have been several instances where making the said gesture has led to fights between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, who make up the vast majority of Kosovo's population. (With inputs from agencies)

Euro 2024: Serbia threaten to quit tournament over chants by rival countries

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<p>Albania left Croatia in danger of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday (Jun 19) as Albania's Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser.</p>

<p>After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opener, Croatia were behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg.</p>

<p>But Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions and Andrej Kramaric levelled with 16 minutes remaining, before Gjasula put one in his own net, courtesy of a nasty deflection.</p>

<p>The Albania midfielder became the last-gasp hero, though, slotting into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch his team a point.</p>

<p>Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against holders Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout phase for a fifth straight major tournament.</p>

<p>Albania have won plenty of plaudits with their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but could not hold a lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive.</p>

<p>Croatia's 'golden generation' were ultimately made to pay for a poor first-half display and are in danger of bowing out from major tournament football in limp fashion.</p>

<p>Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted against a change in formation from the Spain defeat, sticking with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic.</p>

<p>But he brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol into central defence.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/who-is-arda-guler-the-turkish-messi-who-lit-up-euro-2024-with-wonder-strike-733115"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Arda Güler? The Turkish Messi who lit up Euro 2024 with wonder strike</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Albania start fast again</strong></h2>

<p>The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as the supporters of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament so far.</p>

<p>Albania scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy and they made another quick start.</p>

<p>It took until only the 11th minute for Sylvinho's men to break the deadlock this time, as Sparta Prague midfielder Laci ghosted into the area unmarked to nod home an inch-perfect, inswinging cross from Jasir Asani.</p>

<p>Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their faces and continued to look the more dangerous side, with right-back Elseid Hysaj firing off target.</p>

<p>The underdogs could have doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani&nbsp;was denied by Dominik Livakovic when face-to-face with the Croatia goalkeeper.</p>

<p>Albania striker Rey Manaj passed up another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough purchase on his free header in first-half added time to seriously trouble Livakovic.</p>

<p>Dalic responded by making two changes at the interval, bringing on 21-year-old Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Brozovic.</p>

<p>Those substitutions brought about a quick improvement from Croatia, as Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a good save to keep out Sucic's left-footed shot, before Pasalic headed over seconds later.</p>

<p>Albania continued to threaten on the counter-attack, though, with Nedim Bajrami&nbsp;drilling wide of the near post in the 67th minute.</p>

<p>But Croatia finally found a way through in the 74th minute as substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric inside the box and the forward cut inside before sending a composed finish inside Strakosha's near post.</p>

<p>The turnaround appeared to be complete two minutes later as Sucic's close-range effort was blocked, but only against the unfortunate Gjasula and into an empty net.</p>

<p>Albania did not give up,&nbsp;missing a series of chances as it appeared Croatia would cling on.</p>

<p>Gjasula had other ideas though, sweeping a loose ball home before a chaotic denouement that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of a winner, to no avail.</p>


Albania left Croatia in danger of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday (Jun 19) as Albania's Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser.

Albania left Croatia in danger of a group-stage exit from Euro 2024 after a thrilling 2-2 draw on Wednesday (Jun 19) as Albania's Klaus Gjasula scored at both ends, including a dramatic injury-time equaliser. After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Spain in their opener, Croatia were behind again when Qazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in Hamburg. But Croatia improved after making two half-time substitutions and Andrej Kramaric levelled with 16 minutes remaining, before Gjasula put one in his own net, courtesy of a nasty deflection. The Albania midfielder became the last-gasp hero, though, slotting into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of injury time to snatch his team a point. Croatia, World Cup semi-finalists in 2022, will now likely need to win their final Group B match against holders Italy on June 24 to reach the knockout phase for a fifth straight major tournament. Albania have won plenty of plaudits with their performances against both Italy, in a 2-1 defeat, and Croatia, but could not hold a lead in either game and will probably have to beat Spain to keep their last-16 hopes alive. Croatia's 'golden generation' were ultimately made to pay for a poor first-half display and are in danger of bowing out from major tournament football in limp fashion. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic opted against a change in formation from the Spain defeat, sticking with his midfield trio of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic. But he brought in Ivan Perisic at left-back, moving Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol into central defence. Also read | Who is Arda Güler? The Turkish Messi who lit up Euro 2024 with wonder strike Albania start fast again The smell of smoke from flares filled the air outside the stadium as the supporters of both teams created one of the best atmospheres of the tournament so far. Albania scored the fastest goal in European Championship history after just 23 seconds against Italy and they made another quick start. It took until only the 11th minute for Sylvinho's men to break the deadlock this time, as Sparta Prague midfielder Laci ghosted into the area unmarked to nod home an inch-perfect, inswinging cross from Jasir Asani. Croatia tried to impose their passing game, but Albania were constantly in their faces and continued to look the more dangerous side, with right-back Elseid Hysaj firing off target. The underdogs could have doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark, but Kristjan Asllani was denied by Dominik Livakovic when face-to-face with the Croatia goalkeeper. Albania striker Rey Manaj passed up another excellent opportunity, failing to get enough purchase on his free header in first-half added time to seriously trouble Livakovic. Dalic responded by making two changes at the interval, bringing on 21-year-old Luka Sucic and Mario Pasalic for the ineffective Lovro Majer and Brozovic. Those substitutions brought about a quick improvement from Croatia, as Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha made a good save to keep out Sucic's left-footed shot, before Pasalic headed over seconds later. Albania continued to threaten on the counter-attack, though, with Nedim Bajrami drilling wide of the near post in the 67th minute. But Croatia finally found a way through in the 74th minute as substitute Ante Budimir picked out Kramaric inside the box and the forward cut inside before sending a composed finish inside Strakosha's near post. The turnaround appeared to be complete two minutes later as Sucic's close-range effort was blocked, but only against the unfortunate Gjasula and into an empty net. Albania did not give up, missing a series of chances as it appeared Croatia would cling on. Gjasula had other ideas though, sweeping a loose ball home before a chaotic denouement that saw both sides throw bodies forward in search of a winner, to no avail.

Euro 2024: Albania come from behind to secure 2-2 draw against Croatia

A centre-left Italian parliamentarian confronted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday (June 5) during her visit to Albania. Riccardo Magi, from the More Europe party, walked towards Meloni's motorcade as she was leaving a meeting with her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama.

Italian lawmaker confronts PM Meloni in Albania

Construction workers in Albania are working hard to transform a former military air base into an Italian-run migrant centre as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visits for a progress-check.

Italy's Meloni visit Albania: Italy-run immigrant detention camp on agenda

Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner is set to build a tourist Resort in Albania's Laura town. The move is being opposed by the locals and environmentalists of the protected land on Albania's southern coast. Watch in for more details!

Environmentalists concerned over Kushner's resort plans

<p>The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow.</p>

<p>The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The base once housed dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air.</p>

<p>The new NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’ doesn’t only show Albania’s shift towards the West but also highlights NATO’s expanding footprints in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattle the region.</p>

<h2><strong>Kucova transforms into a NATO-backed facility</strong></h2>

<p>While inaugurating the base, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders".</p>

<p>Italian Eurofighters and US F-16s and F-35s staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Combat drone training for Ukrainian children in schools</strong></p>

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<p>The work had been going on for more than two years in the city called Kucova, which has now transformed into a NATO-backed facility. NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara said, "The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjWg5_BmNyEAxV3XWwGHai7A0YQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-responsibility-for-railway-bridge-blast-in-southwest-russia-696496" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-claims-responsibility-for-railway-bridge-blast-in-southwest-russia-696496&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg5_BmNyEAxV3XWwGHai7A0YQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Ukraine claims responsibility for railway bridge blast in southwest Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Ironically, the construction of the base started in early 2022, just ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Kucova is now set to operate as a tactical operational base, featuring an updated control tower and a refurbished runway spanning over two kilometres (1.2 miles). Additionally, the base will accommodate modern military aircraft and offer facilities for refuelling and ammunition storage</p>

<h2><strong>Albania’s shift towards the West</strong></h2>

<p>In 2009, Albania ended decades of global isolation by joining NATO. During the reign of the paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the country had close ties with the Soviet Union and China until differences arose over their interpretation of Marxism. Following the collapse of the communist regime in 1990, Albania shifted towards the West.</p>

<p>The establishment of the new air base is likely to provoke Moscow, which staunchly opposes NATO expansion into Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in the Balkans, a region historically caught between Eastern and Western influences.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow. The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin.

The Balkan nation of Albania on Monday (Mar 4) unveiled a refurbished airbase to be used by the NATO alliance, a move expected to irk Moscow. The airbase is located in an Albanian city formerly named after Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. The base once housed dozens of Soviet- and Chinese-made planes left for years to rust in the open air. The new NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’ doesn’t only show Albania’s shift towards the West but also highlights NATO’s expanding footprints in southeast Europe as tensions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine rattle the region. Kucova transforms into a NATO-backed facility While inaugurating the base, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed that the importance of the base "extended beyond Albania's borders". Italian Eurofighters and US F-16s and F-35s staged a flyover before landing on the new runaway during the event attended by NATO representatives and diplomats. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Combat drone training for Ukrainian children in schools × The work had been going on for more than two years in the city called Kucova, which has now transformed into a NATO-backed facility. NATO representative Lieutenant General Juan Pablo Sanchez de Lara said, "The inauguration of Kucova air base demonstrates that the Alliance -- with a 360-degree approach -- is heavily engaged in this relevant region." Also read: Ukraine claims responsibility for railway bridge blast in southwest Russia Ironically, the construction of the base started in early 2022, just ahead of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kucova is now set to operate as a tactical operational base, featuring an updated control tower and a refurbished runway spanning over two kilometres (1.2 miles). Additionally, the base will accommodate modern military aircraft and offer facilities for refuelling and ammunition storage Albania’s shift towards the West In 2009, Albania ended decades of global isolation by joining NATO. During the reign of the paranoid Communist dictator Enver Hoxha, the country had close ties with the Soviet Union and China until differences arose over their interpretation of Marxism. Following the collapse of the communist regime in 1990, Albania shifted towards the West. The establishment of the new air base is likely to provoke Moscow, which staunchly opposes NATO expansion into Eastern and Central Europe, particularly in the Balkans, a region historically caught between Eastern and Western influences. (With inputs from agencies)

Albania unveils refurbished NATO airbase in ‘Stalin city’, move likely to irk Moscow

Once considered a bastion of peace in Latin America, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis in the last five years after the unchecked, mushrooming influence of transnational Narco-gangs, who use its ports to ship cocaine to the United States and Europe. The newly elected President, Daniel Noboa, has declared war on these narco-gangs. In a major, morale-boosting success, on the 6th of February, police in Ecuador and Spain carried out a joint operation which led to the seizure of almost 2.4 tonnes of cocaine and the arrest of 30 people. More importantly, the operation led to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization being led by an Albanian. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

2.4 tonnes of cocaine seized & 30 arrested in joint operation

"Over the past ten years 21,000 girls have been missing in Albania." For families that already have a daughter, roughly a quarter said they would choose to have an abortion rather than have another girl in the household, according to research compiled by the UN.

'Missing' girls: Selective abortion in Albania fuels gender gap

<p>The Albania parliament, amidst protests&nbsp;by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with&nbsp;jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics.</p>

<p>Sali Berisha, a political figure who dominated Albanian politics in the 1990s and served as the conservative prime minister from 2005 to 2013, now confronts potential arrest and a lengthy jail term. Despite vehemently denying all charges, Berisha has labeled the investigation a "purely political" ploy by his rival, current socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.</p>

<p>As the parliament voted to strip Berisha of immunity by a narrow margin of 75 to 65, his opposition Democratic party MPs protested vehemently, igniting smoke bombs and piling up chairs&nbsp;in the chamber. Berisha, leaving the session surrounded by bodyguards, defiantly declared, "I am stronger than ever."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Albania struggles to control forest fire</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Protests and security measures</strong></h2>

<p>Outside the parliament, hundreds of Berisha's supporters protested, prompting police to cordon off the area. Riot police, equipped with water cannons stood by to prevent potential violence following the decision.</p>

<p>Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, face charges of "passive corruption" stemming from 2008, when Berisha's government introduced a law allowing the privatisation of sports facilities expropriated under communism. The special prosecutor’s office alleges that these legal changes benefited projects in which Berisha and Malltezi had financial stakes, resulting in €5.4m in kickbacks.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-ireland-women-secure-nations-league-a-berth-after-beating-albania-on-damp-pitch-653990">Also read |&nbsp;Football: Ireland Women secure Nations League A berth after beating Albania on damp pitch</a></p>

<p>The parliamentary decision came after Berisha refused to cooperate with authorities during the investigation and ignored measures requiring him to report to the police regularly. Albania, often ranked as one of Europe's poorest and most corrupt countries, faced international scrutiny last year when Berisha was banned from entering the US and the UK over alleged involvement in organised crime and corruption.</p>

<p>The United States has accused Berisha of misappropriating public funds and interfering with public processes, asserting that, as prime minister, he used his power for personal gain. Berisha staunchly denies these allegations, setting the stage for a complex legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for Albanian politics and its international standing.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Albania parliament, amidst protests by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics.

The Albania parliament, amidst protests by loyal MPs has voted to remove legal immunity of former President Sali Berisha, who faces corruption charges. This move, met with jeers and demonstrations, marks a pivotal moment in Albanian politics. Sali Berisha, a political figure who dominated Albanian politics in the 1990s and served as the conservative prime minister from 2005 to 2013, now confronts potential arrest and a lengthy jail term. Despite vehemently denying all charges, Berisha has labeled the investigation a "purely political" ploy by his rival, current socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama. As the parliament voted to strip Berisha of immunity by a narrow margin of 75 to 65, his opposition Democratic party MPs protested vehemently, igniting smoke bombs and piling up chairs in the chamber. Berisha, leaving the session surrounded by bodyguards, defiantly declared, "I am stronger than ever." Also watch | Albania struggles to control forest fire Protests and security measures Outside the parliament, hundreds of Berisha's supporters protested, prompting police to cordon off the area. Riot police, equipped with water cannons stood by to prevent potential violence following the decision. Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, face charges of "passive corruption" stemming from 2008, when Berisha's government introduced a law allowing the privatisation of sports facilities expropriated under communism. The special prosecutor’s office alleges that these legal changes benefited projects in which Berisha and Malltezi had financial stakes, resulting in €5.4m in kickbacks. Also read | Football: Ireland Women secure Nations League A berth after beating Albania on damp pitch The parliamentary decision came after Berisha refused to cooperate with authorities during the investigation and ignored measures requiring him to report to the police regularly. Albania, often ranked as one of Europe's poorest and most corrupt countries, faced international scrutiny last year when Berisha was banned from entering the US and the UK over alleged involvement in organised crime and corruption. The United States has accused Berisha of misappropriating public funds and interfering with public processes, asserting that, as prime minister, he used his power for personal gain. Berisha staunchly denies these allegations, setting the stage for a complex legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for Albanian politics and its international standing. (With inputs from agencies)

Smoke bombs thrown in Albanian parliament after former president Sali Berisha stripped of immunity

Italy and Albania have reached an agreement on the issue of migrants under the deal.

Italy-Albania reach agreement on migrants

After UK, Italy moves to reduce migrants flow

The Albania coast is battering wildfire. Firefighters are struggling to keep the blaze in control, which, as per the state media has been going on for more than a week. According to authorities, wildfire has burned through 500 hectares of pine forest. Greece has responded by sending two firefighting planes. This summer, searing temperatures fuelled wildfires and prompted health warnings across southern Europe.

Albania struggles to control forest fire

Turkiye and Albania continue to battle wildfires. Officials in Turkiye evacuate at least 9 villages, while Albanian police on Monday, arrested suspected arsonists who started a fire in woodlands.

Wildfire engulfs large swathes of Turkiye & Albania

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