The Vlora Court has taken the decision to suspend two employees from the Vlora Police Directorate. These two individuals are under suspicion for conducting an incomplete investigation into the rape case of a 26-year-old woman. Additionally, they have been prohibited from leaving the country.

Both the Police Oversight Agency and the Vlora Prosecutor’s Office have carried out investigations into the actions of these state police officers, leading to their suspension. The two employees in question are sub-commissioner Ervis Cipa and Ornela Hajrulla.

In response to the suspension of these officers, Interior Minister Taulant Balla made his views known on social media. He emphasized the seriousness of the case involving sexual violence and the incitement of drug use against a young woman in Vlora. Minister Balla stressed that justice must act swiftly and effectively in line with the expectations of the public.

The Minister expressed his strong disapproval of any delays in conducting a comprehensive investigation from the outset. He also condemned any cooperation with those responsible for the alleged crime.

Minister Balla highlighted the need for the State Police to improve its performance and mentioned the importance of a self-cleansing process within the police force. This process aims to remove any elements that have engaged in wrongful behavior or violated ethical standards. The Minister underlined the significance of preserving the integrity of the majority of the State Police officers who diligently uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s citizens.

The Vlora Court has issued a “prison detention” order for two individuals, Albi Ceno and Oltion Tahiri, who are suspected of forcibly detaining and sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman in a Vlora hotel. Gentjano Mehmeti, a 32-year-old individual connected to the same incident, remains at large. Furthermore, the police are actively seeking another person with the initials V.K, who is also a suspect in the case.

The Vlora Police arrested these two individuals on October 21 under suspicion of “encouraging a 26-year-old woman to use narcotics and engaging in sexual intercourse with her through the use of force”.

Initially, the police announced that a 32-year-old individual, Gentjano Mehmeti, was wanted in connection with the incident. However, in a subsequent statement, the Vlora Police referred the case materials to the Prosecutor’s Office. This referral was made in relation to the criminal offense of “incitement to drug use” and pertained to a 36-year-old resident of Vlora, known as V.K.

Protests erupted in response to this incident, with the “Vatra” Psycho-Social Center leading the charge. Various civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens joined in demanding justice for the victim. Their calls included slogans like “Protect the Victim” and “Maximum Punishment for Rapists”.

During the protest, many women and girls, alongside their supporters, marched from the Vlora Prosecutor’s Office along the promenade at the Skela roundabout. Their slogans emphasized the importance of justice and the need to stop gender-based violence.

Additionally, female councilors in the Vlora Municipality Council have shown their support by signing a resolution condemning violence against women and girls.

The Albanian Institute of Statistics’ 2023 report, “Men and Women”, has revealed an increase in reported cases of sexual violence in Albania during 2022.

The data indicates that 117 women and girls reported incidents of sexual violence, leading to the identification of 178 sexual crime offenders.