Director of the State Police Ardi Veliu delivered his New Year’s message to police and citizens.
He thanked the police for their hard work during the last year, “loaded with a lot of stress for everyone due to the pandemic.”
Despite the circumstances, he commended their “commitment and professionalism” which led to the reported “lowest number of murders, road accidents resulting in loss of life, and other serious events.” He also mentioned the “results of the anti-cannabis war”.
While the amount of cannabis being cultivated in Albania may have decreased, this is due to criminals moving growing operations into Europe and the UK.
Veliu then thanked the public for “trusting the police” adding that “your trust and contribution are two important pillars in fulfilling our mission”.
“I feel privileged to run one of the most trusted and valued organisations, by you”, adding “Humanism and solidarity, these two virtues on which society has been able to create interpersonal relationships will be an integral part of our daily relationship.”
At the beginning of December, mass protests took place in Tirana and other cities over the course of six days. People demanded Veliu’s resignation over the murder of a 25-year-old man by a police officer. During the process, police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray on citizens and journalists. Four journalists were arrested and three claimed they were assaulted. Others said they were forced to sign statements they didn’t write, on condition of release.
According to a UNDP report, only 54% of the population trust the police.
