European Forum

MP of the Socialist Party of Albania murdered

On the 3rd of May member of the Albanian parliament (MP) of the biggest opposition party, Socialist Party of Albania (SP), Fatmir Xhindi was shot down in front of his house in the provincial town of Roskovec in Southern Albania. According to the spokesman of the police, the two suspects, who unleashed a barrage of bullets hitting Xhindi with six of them, are still fugitive. Lawmaker Xhindi, 49, who was completing his third four-year-term in the parliament and was preparing for the upcoming parliamentary elections to be held on June 28, died on his way to the hospital. Politicians from Albania and the EU were shocked by the murder.

On Sunday, thousands of Albanians, including political leaders from several parties, gathered for Xhindi’s funeral. At the funeral, leader of the Socialist Party Edi Rama said: “None of us slept last night wondering what your eyes saw last before they were closed forever.” Rama called for the murderer to be brought to justice adding that the Socialists were "impatiently waiting" for police to shed light on the killing. Prime Minster of Albania and leader of the ruling Democratic Party said that “this ugly criminal act has not only shocked the family of the deputy, his hometown and colleagues but all Albania and Albanians.” After visiting the family of Xhindi, Albania’s President Bamir Topi stated that “light should be shed on this extremely grave criminal act as soon as possible and the culprits should face justice.” EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn also called on the Albanian authorities “to investigate this crime thoroughly and bring the perpetrator to justice."

The killing of Xhindi could heighten tension ahead of the June parliamentary elections, which pit the ruling Democratic Party of Prime Minister Sali Berisha against the main opposition Socialist Party led by Edi Rama. According to a senior Socialist and MP Gramos Ruci the possibility of a politically motivated killing should not be excluded. Political killings have been frequent in Albanian history. Most recently, in September of 1998, the murder of Democratic MP Azem Hajdari provoked violent opposition protests headed by Berisha, forcing the resignation of the then Socialist Prime Minister, Fatos Nano. Therefore, a good and transparent investigation into the murder of Xhindi is of great importance in the run to the parliamentary elections, which are seen as a crucial test for Albania’s bid to the EU membership. Investigation lingers could set a negative tone for an electoral campaign already marred by accusations of voter fraud.

Source: BIRN, Reuters, SETimes and Europa Nu