The man accused of killing a seven-year-old girl in a boating accident in Himara yesterday, Arian Tase who is also a police commissioner has been charged with “murder by carelessness”.
Tase was driving a RIB-type boat that he had borrowed from a family member at Potami beach. A around 14:00, he lost control of the vessel which was carrying himself and his family members. He was driving the vessel in an area designated for swimmers and marked with buoys but still hit the girl who died at the scene from her injury.
“The Police Oversight Agency (AMP) arrested the State Police employee, Arjan Tase, in charge of the Community Policing Section at the Elbasan Police Station, for the criminal offence of ‘Murder by negligence’ provided for by Article 85 of Penal Code”, says the announcement of AMP.
If found guilty, he faces either a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years. He has also been dismissed from his position along with many others in the Border Police in Vlora who are responsible for enforcing rules on vessels in the area.
Director of the State Police, Gledis Nano, gave a statement from Dhermi where he said there would be zero tolerance for those that violate the law.
Nano expressed regret for the serious incident that took the life of the 7-year-old girl but added that the action of a police officer could not spoil the work of thousands of men and women who were working day and night for the safety of citizens on the beaches.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on Twitter, saying that this tourist season is the most organized and orderly ever.
“Until yesterday, it was the calmest and safest season, with public beaches and the network of beach watchers organised like never before! Yesterday’s tragedy has shocked young and old and has created a serious feeling of concern, while the State Police is taking all measures to react much more strongly to the challenge of guaranteeing legal order not only in road traffic but also the watery one”, he wrote.
He added there would be a focus on safety involving vessels on public beaches as the increase in their number has become a challenge.
There have been 11 deaths by drowning, one death by boat, and several injuries in two summer months.
Meanwhile, civil society has announced a protest for 4 August outside the Ministry of the Interior, where they said they would demand the resignation of Interior Minister Bledi Cuci, Director of the State Police Gledis Nano, and Tourism Minister Mirela Kumbaro.
On the night of the girl’s death, people left candles outside the prime minister’s office in tribute to the girl.
