Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj and Ora News television channel owner Ylli Ndroqi have accused each other of blackmail.
Initially, Ora News claimed that Ndroqi had been asked, in the name of mayor Veliaj, to cease reporting that criticized Veliaj, otherwise his relatives who worked for the municipality would be fired.
Ndroqi responded to this alleged threat by stating that Veliaj “cannot blackmail the media by investigating their owners’ familial circles and by taking revenge on employees who provide for their families and children with their wages.”
Following Ndroqi’s retort, Veliaj tweeted: “Those who know me, know that I do not deal with traffickers and cowboys, and they cannot extort tribute from me. This goes for everyone, even for those with two names who extort tribute behind screens. They can forget about it! I have been elected by the majority of the people and I only serve them!”
Veliaj’s tweet implies that Ndroqi has been involved in illicit trafficking and was using his television channel to “extort tribute” by asking him for favors in exchange of favorable press covering.
On May 14, Albania’s National Health Inspectorate (IShSh) demanded the shutdown of Ora Radio and Television (Ora RTV) due to their alleged violation of government instructions allowing only two guests in TV studios.
