'Only 0.2% of crime suspects are Albanians in the Netherlands', Minister says

Sandër Lleshaj and Ilva Tare at Ilva Now show in Euronews Albania

 The Minister of Interior, Sander Lleshaj, among many other issues, spoke to Euronews Albania at the Ilva Now show about the concern of the Netherlands, which has expressed doubts about the European path of Albania. The Dutch authorities have repeatedly stated that one of the problems of our country towards the EU is related to what they call "Albanian crime", which operates in their territory.

Lleshaj said that the phrase "Albanian crime" is incorrect and unacceptable. The Minister even gave direct advice to the Albanian media, while asking them to reject this labeling, which is done to Albanians.

"You as Euronews should definitely talk about the Netherlands. First, I must reject the term "Albanian crime." Crime is not an Albanian product, but an individual or organized product. It is unacceptable, politically incorrect, and unethical because the crime has at maximum an individual name, an Albanian who kills today does not kill in the name of all Albanians. Criminals are individuals or groups. As for the concern of the Netherlands, the Albanian media should become patriotic and should reject this, they should not accept this. "Albanians are not criminals, they are a peaceful nation, they are a nation that did not produce crime, but saints, and I strongly reject this," he said.

In the studio of "Ilva Now", the Minister of Interior Sander Lleshaj showed for the first time a table, according to which in the Netherlands in 2019 there were 460 Albanians suspected of being involved in the world of crime.

Graph of crime suspects in the Netherlands shown by the Minister Lleshaj

"The Dutch have a concern, since a total, in 2019 in the Netherlands there were 262160 suspects. There are so many suspects, of which 460 are Albanians, only 0.2 are Albanians and that is the Albanian size of the suspects. "Other suspects, more than Albanians, are Georgians", said Lleshaj.

Among other things, the minister commented on the departure of Albanians, where some of them seek asylum in European Union countries. He stressed that most are fleeing for a better life while adding that this is a trend that is happening in other countries as well.

"It's definitely a complex feeling. It's a concern. Certainly, the human power necessary for the development of the country is gone. Anyone fleeing the country is a loss, as is a benefit in the long run, but it is basically not good. It can not be called a failure, because if we talk about it we can talk about the failure of many countries in the world. Today, those who have aspirations generally leave Albania, but there are also those who leave for a basic living", said Lleshaj.