Document #1312201
Freedom House (Author)
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
National Democratic Governance | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.50 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 5.00 | 4.75 | 4.50 | 4.50 |
Electoral Process | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.75 |
Civil Society | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
Independent Media | 3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.25 |
Local Democratic Governance | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 3.00 | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 |
Judicial Framework and Independence | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 |
Corruption | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 |
Democracy Score | 3.82 | 3.82 | 3.82 | 3.93 | 4.04 | 4.14 | 4.25 | 4.18 | 4.14 | 4.14 |
NOTE: The ratings reflect the consensus of Freedom House, its academic advisers, and the author(s) of this report. If consensus cannot be reached, Freedom House is responsible for the final ratings. The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 7 the lowest. The Democracy Score is an average of ratings for the categories tracked in a given year. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s).
Throughout 2015, Albania went through a series of reforms and law enforcement operations aimed at strengthening the rule of law and bringing the country closer to the European Union (EU). While the ongoing justice reform and regulatory enforcement are considered critically important, several fiscal policies and operations have raised concerns about their severity, efficiency, and sustainability. The country aspires to start accession negotiations with the EU soon, but the integration process will move forward only if Albania makes tangible progress in the fight against organized crime and corruption.
Justice reform was high on the agenda in 2015, and the coalition government relied on international and national expertise for a thorough enterprise. The opposition boycotted the sessions of the parliamentary committee on reform until July, but joined the talks after the government granted its members parity on the committee. In December, the parliament adopted a so-called decriminalization law banning convicted criminals from holding public office, which is expected to boost the fight against corruption and restore public confidence in institutions.
The new administrative and territorial reform, adopted in 2014, replaced the 373 preexisting municipalities and communes with only 61 newly established municipalities. The government proclaimed that the reform will benefit the new municipalities by increasing their administrative and financial capacities. Decentralization is set to start next year, and only then it will be possible to evaluate the reform’s impact in practice.
Albania’s new territorial organization was already in place when the country held local elections in June. Despite some isolated incidents and irregularities, the process was generally peaceful and orderly, an improvement from previous elections. Election day and the vote counting process were calm and without the acts of violence that usually accompany elections in Albania. Concerns about vote buying, group voting, and allegations of political pressure, however, persisted. These long-standing concerns, as well as nontransparent and ineffective campaign finance regulations, remained unaddressed at year’s end.
The left-wing government launched extensive operations against tax evasion and the informal economy, which have long been a burden to honest taxpayers and obstacles to economic development. Illegal constructions continued to be demolished. In support of its operations, the government decided to toughen several fiscal and criminal penalties, an approach that raised concerns about the severity of punishments for relatively minor offenses and their potential effect on economic growth.
The government sustained its commitment to tackling the disturbing phenomenon of widespread cannabis cultivation. Since June 2014, when the police launched an operation in the village of Lazarat, anticannabis operations have expanded throughout the country. While these operations have boosted public trust in the police, investigations and convictions of key actors in the trafficking chain remain rare.
The political bias of TV stations was especially visible during the last elections. Television remains the primary source of political information, but the commercial and political interests of outlets’ owners often influence reporting. Self-censorship and conformity jeopardize editorial independence and the pluralism of viewpoints. While some investigative journalists report with integrity and courage, in a country with pervasive corruption and elite impunity, they remain the exception.
Generally, the politicization of almost every issue and political figures’ frequent exchange of personal accusations has diverted public attention from important topics, such as the social and economic welfare of citizens, their political representation, and the quality of justice. Political wrangling has also hampered the fulfillment of key integration priorities that would enable Albania to open accession negotiations with the EU.
Score Changes:
As a result, Albania’s Democracy Score remained 4.14.
Outlook for 2016: Almost three years after taking office, the government sustained its drive for crucial reforms and country-wide operations. Judicial reform will remain a top priority and the government will seek a cross-party consensus for a sustainable outcome. The decentralization process is set to start at the beginning of 2016. Law enforcement will continue to carry out major operations, which are expected to improve the rule of law and benefit the state budget. The European Commission is expected to make a decision on accession negotiations in October 2016 based on Albania’s fulfillment of key remaining integration priorities.
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.25 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.50 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 5.00 | 4.75 | 4.50 | 4.50 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.00 | 4.00 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.75 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3.75 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.25 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.75 | 2.75 | 2.75 | 3.00 | 3.25 | 3.25 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.00 | 4.00 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.25 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 4.75 |
2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 | 5.25 |
Author: Besfort Lamallari
Besfort Lamallari has completed an MSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Oxford, and is currently carrying out research on organized crime in Albania.
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[32] OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, “Albania Local Elections 21 June2015: Final Report” p.6, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/180731; OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, “Albania Parliamentary Elections 23 June 2013: Final Report” p.7, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/106963
[33] ODIHR, “Albania Local Elections, 21 June 2015: Final Report,” OSCE, 8 September 2015, http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/albania/180731
[34] Ibid.
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[56] “Self-Censorship Rampant in Albanian Media, Study Says,” Balkan Insight, 3 December 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/self-censorship-rampant-in-the-albanian-media-birn-study-finds-12-02-2015
[57] “Çipa: Sigurimet e gazetarëve të papaguara. Koka: Mua më pushuan nga puna. Hoxha: Në TVSH punësohesh me teserë partie” [Çipa: Social security taxes for journalists, unpaid. Koka: I was sacked from job. Hoxha: In TVSH you get hired with party membership card], Newsbomb, 20 November 2015, http://www.newsbomb.al/index.php/aktualitet/item/25906-cipa-sigurimet-e-... For more information about the taxation server scandal, see “Zbulohet skandali me serverin e tatimeve: Të dhënat u klonuan nga adituesit” [Taxation server scandal, revealed: Data was cloned by auditors], Newsbomb, 24 October 2015, http://www.ekspres.al/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=31351%3A2015-10-24-10-41-54&catid=112%3Alajme-kryes&Itemid=125
[58] “Gazetari Basir Çollaku: Jam dëshmitar si Tahiri dhe Rama bënë presion mbi mediat” [Journalist Basir Collaku: I am witness to how Tahiri and Rama exerted pressure on the media,” Lapsi.al, 6 September 2015, http://www.lapsi.al/lajme/2015/09/06/gazetari-basir-%C3%A7ollaku-jam-d%C3%ABshmitar-si-tahiri-dhe-rama-b%C3%ABn%C3%AB-presion-mbi-mediat#.Vg0iBPmqqko
[59] “Lufta e egër mediatike, Andi Bejtja mesazh kolegëve...” [Wild media fight, Andi Bejtja’s message to his colleagues…], BalkanWeb, 3 November 2015, http://www.balkanweb.com/site/lufta-e-eger-mediatike-andi-bejtja-mesazh-kolegeve-po-hani-m-qe-keni-gatuar/; “DOSSIER/ Të gjitha shkeljet ligjore në lidhje me ndërtimin tek “Laguna Blu” [Dossier/ All legal breaches relating to construction at “Blue Lagoon”], Tema, 11 November 2015, http://www.gazetatema.net/web/2015/11/05/dossier-te-gjitha-shkeljet-ligj...
[60] “Leyton Orient owner Francesco Becchetti wanted in Albania over fraud allegations,” The Guardian, 9 June 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/09/leyton-orient-francesco-becchetti-wanted
[61] “Berisha: Becchetti po i çirrte maskën Ramës. S’marr pjesë në fushatë” [Berisha: Becchetti was unmasking Rama. I will not participate in the campaign], NOA, 9 June 2015, http://www.noa.al/artikull/berisha-becchetti-po-i-cirrte-masken-rames-sm... “Government economic pressure on the media – Albania,” SEEMO, 18 July 2007, http://seemo.org/activities/pressfreedom/07/press0708.html
[62] “Takim zyrtar me delegacionin e Prezencës së OSBE-së në Shqipëri” [Official meeting with the delegation of OSCE Presence in Albania,” Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), 12 May 2015, http://ama.gov.al/preview/takim-zyrtar-me-delegacionin-e-prezences-se-osbe-se-ne-shqiperi/
[63] “Kërcënohen dy gazetarë në Librazhd, Agim Blloshmi: Jam fshehur në pyll. Policia: Nuk janë lënduar, po hetojmë” [Two journalists threatened in Librazhd, Agim Blloshmi: I am hiding in the forest. Police: They are not hurt, we’re investigating], BalkanWeb, 19 May 2015, http://www.balkanweb.com/site/kercenohen-dy-gazetare-ne-librazhd-agim-bl... “Sulmohet me armë nga kontrabandistët e druve gazetari i ABC News” [Journalist from ABC News faces armed attack by smugglers of timber], ABC News, 20 May 2015, http://www.abcnews.al/lajme/aktualitet/2/56445
[64] Associated Press, “Albanian Journalist threatened by suspected Islamic militant,” Daily Mail, 4 June 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-3111153/Albanian-journalist-threatened-suspected-Islamic-militant.html
[65] “Regjistrimi video/ Kapet Qazim Sejdini duke shantazhuar gazetarët” [Video registration/ Qazim Sejdini caught blackmailing journalists], Lapsi.al, 16 June 2015, http://www.lapsi.al/lajme/2015/06/16/regjistrimi-video-kapet-qazim-sejdi...
[66] The figure of 60 journalistic organizations is taken from a letter sent by the Central Election Commission to the Albanian Union of Journalists (UGSH), cited in a UGSH Facebook post, 3 May 2015, https://www.facebook.com/UnioniIGazetareveShqiptare/posts/890900557622335
[67] “Unioni i Gazetarëve: Mediat në situatë kritike, gazetarët 6 muaj pa rroga” [Journalists Union: Media in critical situation, journalists have gone six months without pay], CityNews, 3 March 2015, http://www.citynews.al/2015/05/unioni-i-gazetareve-mediat-ne-situate-kritike-gazetaret-6-muaj-pa-rroga/
[68] “Approved Draft Law "On Local Self-Government,”” Reforma Administrative Territoriale, 17 December 2015, http://www.reformaterritoriale.al/en/home/12-news-information/265-approved-draft-law-on-local-self-government
[69] Law No. 30/2015 “On Some Additions and Amendments to the Law No. 8652, dated 31 July 2000, ‘On Organization and Functioning of Local Governance’”
[70] “Challenges of Democracy at Local Level,” IDM, November 2014, http://idmalbania.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Challenges-of-Democracy-at-Local-Level-v11.pdf
[71] “Vendim nr. Nr. 691, datë 29.7.2015 “Për miratimin e strategjisë ndërsektoriale për decentralizimin dhe qeverisjen vendore 2015–2020”” [Council of Ministers, Decision no. 691, dated 29 July 2015 “On approval of crosscutting strategies for decentralization and local governance 2015–2020”], Qendra e Botimeve Zyrtare, 29 July 2015, http://www.qbz.gov.al/botime/fletore_zyrtare/2015/PDF-2015/147-2015.pdf
[72] “Zbardhet skenari,cShkëmbi: Bashkitë e reja për 6 muajt e ardhshëm, nuk mund të vendosin vetë” [Plan revealed, Shkembi: New municipalities cannot decide on their own for the next six months], Gazeta Dita, 16 June 2015, http://www.gazetadita.al/zbardhet-skenari-shkembi-bashkite-e-reja-per-6-...
[73] Gjykata Kushtetuese, “Vendim nr 37, datë 12.06.2015” [Decision no.37, dated 12 June 2015], Shqiptarja.com, 12 June 2015, http://shqiptarja.com/pdf/new/kushtetuesja.pdf?from=mobile
[74] Gjykata Kushtetuese, “Njoftim për Median” [Press Release], 15 January 2015, http://www.gjk.gov.al/web/NJOFTIM_P_R_MEDIAN_929_1.php
[75] Ministri për Çështjet Vendore, “Adminsitrative and Territorial Reform: Analysis of the Local Government Situation in Albania,” April 2014, http://www.al.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/misc/Analysis%20of%20the...
[76] Ministri për Çështjet Vendore, “Adminsitrative and Territorial Reform: Analysis of the Local Government Situation in Albania,” April 2014, http://www.al.undp.org/content/dam/albania/docs/misc/Analysis%20of%20the...
[77] “Falimenton Bashkia e Pukës, sekuestrohet nga Përmbarimi” [Puka Municipality goes bankrupt, seized by Bailiff,” Gazeta Dita, 29 April 2015, http://www.gazetadita.al/falimenton-bashkia-e-pukes-sekuestrohet-nga-permbarimi/
[78] “Gjika lëshon me para parkimet në rrugët e Vlorës, 24 rrugë me 50 lekë/ora” [Gjika grants parking in the streets of Vlora for money, 24 streets with 50 lek/hour], Panorama, 8 March 2015, http://www.panorama.com.al/vlore-parkingjet-jepen-me-koncesion-per-15-vjet-ne-24-rruge-do-paguhet-50-lekeora/
[79] “Parkingjet në Vlorë, KLSH i kërkon Ramës shkarkimin e prefektes dhe të disa zyrtarëve” [Parking lots in Vlora, SSA recommends Rama dismiss the Prefect and some other officials], Panorama, 13 July 2015, http://www.panorama.com.al/parkingjet-klsh-i-kerkon-rames-shkarkimin-e-prefektes-se-vlores-dhe-te-disa-zyrtareve-te-tjere/
[80] BIRN, “Rritja e biletave të autobuzëve ishte jo transparente dhe e paargumentuar“ [Increase of bus fares was non-transparent and unexplained], Reporter.al, 11 January 2016, http://www.reporter.al/rritja-e-biletave-te-autobuzeve-ishte-jo-transpar... BIRN, “Rritja e çmimit të transportit urban penalizon qytetarët e varfër të Tiranës” [Increase of public transport fares punishes poor citizens of Tirana], Reporter.al, 13 January 2016, http://www.reporter.al/rritja-e-cmimit-te-transportit-urban-penalizon-qytetaret-e-varfer-te-tiranes/
[81] News on mayors accused during 2015 accessed at http://www.hidaa.gov.al/?lang=sq. Despite the significant number of mayors referred for criminal prosecution by the Inspector of Assets and Conflict of Interest, Albania’s poor track record for elite convictions is attributed to the poor work of the Prosecution Office and endemic corruption in the justice system.
[82] Lindita Çela, “Kryebashkiakë e kryekomunarë nën akuzë për vepra penale, asnjë në qeli” [Mayors and commune leaders under prosecution for criminal charges, none in jail], Ora News, 27 April 2015, http://www.oranews.tv/vendi/kryebashkiake-e-kryekomunare-nen-akuze-per-vepra-penale-asnje-ne-qeli/
[83] Grupi i Ekspertëve të Nivelit të Lartë, “Analizë e Sistemit të Drejtësisë në Shqipëri” [Analysis of the Justice System in Albania – 2015], Special Committee for the Reform of the Justice System, June 2015, http://www.reformanedrejtesi.al/analiza-e-sistemit-te-drejtesise-ne-shqiperi-2015
[84] “Opozita i jep fund bojkotit, çon emrat në Komisionin e Drejtësisë” [Opposition ends boycott, submits the names to Justice Committee], Shqiptarja.com, 7 July 2015, https://shqiptarja.com/news.php?IDNotizia=303141
[85] Venice Commission, “CDL-AD(2015)045-e Interim Opinion on the Draft Constitutional Amendments on the Judiciary of Albania,” Council of Europe, 21 December 2015, http://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/?pdf=CDL-AD(2015)045-e
[86] “Lista e çështjeve të gatshme për shqyrtim” [List of cases ready for review], Gjykata e Lartë, accessed 9 October 2015, http://www.gjykataelarte.gov.al/web/Lista_e_Ceshtjeve_Te_Gatshme_Per_Gjy... ““21 Janari,” Zaganjori: Dosja gjykohet brenda 6-mujorit. 11 mijë dosje në pritje në Gjykatën e Lartë” [“21 January,” Zaganjori: The file will be judged within 6 months. 11 thousand files still pending in the High Court], Panorama, 18 February 2015, http://www.panorama.com.al/21-janari-zaganjori-dosja-gjykohet-brenda-6-m... OSCE, “Report to the Permanent Council by the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania,” Shqiptarja.com, 17 September 2015, http://shqiptarja.com/pdf/new/OSBE.pdf
[87] European Court of Human Rights, “Press Country Profile:Albania,” Council of Europe, July 2015, http://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/CP_Albania_ENG.pdf; Herion Mesi, "Zvarritja e proceseve në gjykata, problem shqetësues” [Delayed proceedings in court, concerning problem], Gazeta Shqip, 11 June 2015, http://www.gazeta-shqip.com/lajme/2015/06/11/zvarritja-e-proceseve-ne-gjykata-problem-shqetesues/
[88] “Nis dëmshpërblimi për 6 vendime të Strasburgut, kalojnë në Thesar 1.2 miliard lekë, ja pronarët që përfitojnë” [Compensation for six Strasbourg decisions starts, 1.2 billion lek deposited in the Treasury, benefitting the owners], Sot News, 4 May 2015, http://www.sot.com.al/ekonomia/nis-d%C3%ABmshp%C3%ABrblimi-p%C3%ABr-6-ve...
[89] ECHR, “Case of Manushaqe Puto and others v. Albania,” Council of Europe, November 2014, http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng?i=001-112529#{"itemid":["001-112529"]}
[90] “Dërgohet dekreti i Presidentit të Republikës” [President of the Republic’s decree submitted], Parlament, 21 December 2015, https://www.parlament.al/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2016/01/Dekret-nr.-9377.pdf
[91] “Ligji për Gjykatën e Lartë, mazhoranca rrëzon Nishanin tek “Ligjet” [High Court law, the majority turns down Nishani at the “Laws” (committee)], Ora News, 26 January 2015, http://www.oranews.tv/vendi/ligji-per-gjykaten-e-larte-mazhorannca-rrezon-nishanin-tek-ligjet/
[92] “Albania 2015 Report,” European Commission, 10 November 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2015/20151110_report_albania.pdf; “Njoftim pwr Shtyp” [Press Release], High Inspectorate of Declaration and Audit of Assets and Conflict of Interest (HIDAACI), 2 November 2015, http://www.hidaa.gov.al/02-nentor-2015/; Gjergj Erebara, “Albania Watchdog Accuses Top Judge of Corruption,” Balkan Insight, 15 September 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-chief-judge-reported-on-...
[93] Leonard Bakillari, “Albanian Judges’s Wealth Escapes Scrutiny,” Balkan Insight, 1 May 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albanian-judges-suspicious-wealth-escapes-scrutiny
[94] “Annual Report: On the activity of the People’s Advocate, 1 January–31 December 2014,” People’s Advocate, February 2015, http://www.avokatipopullit.gov.al/sites/default/files/ctools/PEOPLES%20A...
[95] Gjergj Erebara, “Albania Ombudsman Slams Jail Overcrowding,” Balkan Insight, 27 January 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-ombudsman-slams-government-for-prison-overcrowding
[96] Elton Qyno, “Gjyqi për “Gërdecin,” familja Durdaj 32 mln lekë dëmpshpërblim” [“Gërdec” trial, Durdaj’s family ALL 32 million compensation], Shqiptarja.com, 27 March 2015, http://shqiptarja.com/m/home/gjyqi-p-r-g-rdecin-familja-durdaj-32-mln-lek--d-mshp-rblim-281712.html
[97] “Fleckenstein: Drejtësi për 21 janarin. Zvarritja e cështjes, e cuditshme” [Fleckenstein: Justice for 21 January, procrastination of case, strange], Gazeta Dita, 22 January 2015, http://www.gazetadita.al/fleckenstein-drejtesi-per-21-janarin-zvarritja-e-ceshtjes-e-cuditshme/
[98] “Kuvendi i hap rrugën dekriminalizimit, miratohen me 131 voto pro ndryshimet Kushtetuese” [Assembly opens the way for decriminalization, Constitutional amendments approved with 131 votes in favor,” BalkanWeb, 17 December 2015, http://www.balkanweb.com/site/dekriminalizimi-kuvendi-131-vota-pro-ndrys... “Statement by Commissioner Johannes Hahn on the adoption of the "decriminalisation" law in Albania,” Delegation of the European Union to Albania, 18 December 2015, http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/albania/press_corner/all_news/news/201...
[99] “VKM No. 247, date 20.03.2015 “Për Miratimin e Strategjisë Ndër-sektoriale Kundër Korrupsionit për periudhwn 2015–2020”” [On Approval of Inter-sectorial Strategy against Corruption for the period 2015–2020], Ministër Shteti për Çështjet Vendore, 20 March 2015, http://www.ceshtjetvendore.gov.al/files/pages_files/15-04-01-05-52-47Str... ; “Projektligj “Për mbrojtjen e Sinjalizuesve” [Assembly “Draft law on the Protection of Whistleblowers”], Ministër Shteti për Çështjet Vendore, 18 December 2015, http://www.ceshtjetvendore.gov.al/al/newsroom/deklarata-per-shtyp/mirato...
[100] Suela Topi, “Stop Korrupsionit, 1200 raste denoncime në portalin online” [Stop Corruption, 1200 cases of denouncement on the online portal], Shekulli, 8 February 2015, http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.php?id=214550; Eva Hoxha, ““Komisariati Dixhital,” denonconi korrupsionin nga telefoni juaj” [“Digital Commissariat,” denounce corruption from your mobile phone], Shekulli, 13 May 2015, http://www.shekulli.com.al/p.php?id=259001
[101] “Kushtetuesja rrëzon Byronë Kombëtare të Hetimit: Nuk pajtohet me Kushtetutën” [The Constitutional Court turns down the National Bureau of Investigation: It does not comply with the Constitution], BalkanWeb, 17 April 2015, http://www.balkanweb.com/site/kushtetuesja-rrezon-byrone-kombetare-te-hetimit-nuk-pajtohet-me-kushtetuten/
[102] Ibid; Grupi i Ekspertëve të Nivelit të Lartë, “Analizë e Sistemit të Drejtësisë në Shqipëri” [Analysis of the Justice System in Albania – 2015], Special Committee for the Reform of the Justice System, September 2015, http://www.reformanedrejtesi.al/analiza-e-sistemit-te-drejtesise-ne-shqi...
[103] “Albania 2015 Report,” European Commission, 10 November 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2015/20151110_report_albania.pdf; “Njoftim për Shtyp” [Press Release], HIDAACI, 2 November 2015, http://www.hidaa.gov.al/02-nentor-2015/
[104] “Njoftim për Shtyp” [Press Release], HIDAACI, 11 September 2015, http://www.hidaa.gov.al/11-shtator-2015/; “Njoftim për Shtyp” [Press Release], HIDAACI, 15 May 2015, http://www.hidaa.gov.al/15-maj-2015/
[105] “Albania 2015 Report,” European Commission, 10 November 2015, http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/pdf/key_documents/2015/20151110_report_albania.pdf
[106] “Bank of Albania theft, 20 years in prison for Bitraj, 10 for Bruzia,” Top Channel, 20 May 2015, http://top-channel.tv/english/artikull.php?id=14123; Besar Likmeta, “Albania Jails Ten Over Central Bank Theft,” Balkan Insight, 20 February 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-central-bank-employees-g...
[107] Edison Kurani, “Court acquits former Governor of the Bank of Albania,” Independent Balkan News Agency, 12 October 2015, http://www.balkaneu.com/court-acquits-governor-bank-albania/
[108] Gjergj Erebara, “Leaked OSCE Document Names “Corrupt” Albanian MPs,” Balkan Insight, 15 September 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/leaked-osce-report-on-albanian-politicians-crimes-makes-waves-09-14-2015
[109] Lindita Çela, “Albania Speaker Accused of Graft in Arbitrage Case,” Balkan Insight, 8 September 2015, http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/albania-speaker-accused-of-graft-in-arbitrage-case-09-08-2015
[110] “Prokuroria nis hetimet për koncesionet multimilionëshe të Beqajt” [Prosecution starts investigation of multi-million concessions of Beqaj], Reporter.al, 13 December 2015, http://www.reporter.al/prokuroria-nis-hetimet-per-koncesionet-multimilio... “Tirana’s Prosecution Starts Another Investigation on Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj,” Albanian Daily News, 28 December 2015, http://www.albaniannews.com/index.php?idm=3876&mod=2
[111] OSCE, “Report to the Permanent Council by the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania,” Shqiptarja.com, 17 September 2015, http://shqiptarja.com/pdf/new/OSBE.pdf; “Kanabisi, Policia: Në male janë punëtorët, pronarët në qytet” [Cannabis, Police: workers in the mountains are the workers, owners are in the city], Mapo, 20 August 2015, http://www.mapo.al/2015/08/kanabisi-policia-ne-male-jane-punetoret-pronaret-ne-qytet
Nations in Transit 2016 - Albania (Periodical Report, English)