Prominent Albanian investigative journalist Artan Hoxha appeared on Monday before the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) to hand over the original audio recording linked to the controversial events of 21 January 2011, in which four protesters were killed during a demonstration in downtown Tirana.
Hoxha delivered the recording as part of ongoing investigations into the deaths and injuries that occurred during the protest. The case has been under renewed legal scrutiny since 15 July 2024, when SPAK registered a formal criminal proceeding following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights that characterized the events as a state-related crime. The prosecutor’s office has since pursued multiple charges, including murder in aggravated circumstances, abuse of duty, and actions impeding the discovery of the truth.
Background to the Case
On 21 January 2011, thousands participated in a protest organized by the Socialist Party against the then-government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Clashes with the Republic Guard in the boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office resulted in the shooting deaths of four demonstrators — later identified as Ziver Veizi, Faik Myrtaj, Hekuran Deda, and Aleks Nika — and injuries to others. The tragedy triggered widespread controversy and political turmoil in Albania, with differing interpretations of responsibility and accountability.
In previous trials, the former commander of the Republican Guard, Ndrea Prendi, and guard member Agim Llupo were convicted on lesser charges, with relatively light sentences, based on findings that the deaths resulted from negligence. However, the 2024 legal developments have reopened the matter at a higher level, motivated in part by the European Court’s findings and ongoing demands for full accountability.
The Audio and Its Significance
Observers in Albanian media have reported that substantial parts of the recording had circulated previously in excerpts, but until now the original recording itself had not been formally provided to SPAK for verification and use in the investigation. This has been due in part to concerns about preserving the integrity of the evidence.
According to some accounts, the audio includes communications from Republican Guard leadership during the protest, including directives concerning the use of force. Commentators and segments of the recording published in media outlets suggest that orders to engage with live ammunition were discussed in real time.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Prosecutors at SPAK will now assess the original audio as part of the broader evidentiary base in the ongoing criminal proceeding. The case continues to attract intense public attention in Albania, given its legal, political, and moral implications, particularly with respect to questions of state responsibility and the use of force against demonstrators.