Today marks the 14th anniversary of the January 21 protest, where 4 people were killed and several others were injured during a violent opposition rally in front of the prime minister's office.
Representatives of the majority and families of the victims, as every year, commemorated this painful event by placing wreaths of flowers where 4 victims, now declared martyrs of the homeland, fell.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is at the Davos Economic Forum, was absent from the ceremony.
Through a short post on social media, Prime Minister Edi Rama commemorated the violent protest of January 21, 2011, during which 4 protesters were killed and several others were injured.
The head of government writes alongside the published photo that those who are delaying justice for January 21st should not forget that the children of martyrs are becoming parents.
"Justice delays but never forgets," the people say, and today, whoever is delaying justice for January 21st should not forget that the children of martyrs are becoming parents while waiting for justice," Rama writes.
On January 21, 2011, a massive protest organized by the then opposition Socialist Party against the government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha took place in Tirana. The protest took place in front of the Prime Minister's Office and was intended to express dissatisfaction with the accusations of corruption and misgovernance that had come to light after the publication of a video in which Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta was discussed about corruption affairs.
The protest degenerated into violence when some of the protesters attempted to enter the Prime Minister's Office building. Police and security forces used tear gas, water cannons, and firearms to disperse the crowd. Four unarmed citizens lost their lives in these clashes: Aleks Nikaj, Faik Myrtaj, Ziver Veizi, and Hekuran Deda. Dozens of others were injured, including protesters, police, and bystanders.
The events of 21 January 2011 shocked Albanian public opinion and sparked a fierce political debate in the country. The families of the victims and the opposition demanded justice for the killings, accusing the government and security forces of unjustified use of violence. The event remains a sensitive point in the history of Albanian politics and a symbol of the demand for justice and accountability in Albania.
“January 21” is officially a case being investigated by SPAK. The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime has registered a criminal investigation into the murder of Aleks Nika, as well as the injury of Artes Dybel, Ilia Qesko, and Ilia Papa during the 2011 violent protest in front of the prime minister’s office.
The case was registered by SPAK in implementation of the Supreme Court's decision of March this year, which ordered the Special Structure to investigate the complaint made by Aleks Nika's wife, Rajmonda Nika. (A2 Televizion)
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