Albanian comedian Ermal Mamaqi has been fined by the police for organising events that violate COVID-19 restrictions.
Over the weekend, video footage surfaced showing Mamaqi, who charges tens of thousands of Euros for life coaching, speaking to a hall full of people. Those present were not wearing masks or social distancing, and there were far more than 10 people present.
The footage sparked outrage as universities are currently closed despite student protests. Furthermore, many protests have been dispersed with the use of force over the last year under the pretext of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Mamaqi who is known to be close to Prime Minister Edi Rama, is believed to have been fined in the region of 1 million ALL (EUR 8000).
Rama confirmed that he had been fined during a COVID-19 press conference yesterday. He said:
“I have a lot of respect for Ermal Mamaqi but he cannot give this example to Albanians…I have a friend, he received the fine as he deserved.”
The comedian became known internationally after the girlfriend of famous vLogger Nas Daily took offence to his line of questioning during a TV show.
Mamaqi did not respond to questions from Exit.
