The Minister of the Interior, Bledi Çuçi, issued an extraordinary press statement about the murder of police sergeant Saimir Hoxha, who fell in the line of duty in Lezhë.
Çuçi announced that they have started the procedures for declaring the "Martyr of the Fatherland" of the officer Hoxha.
He further encouraged the police in fighting crime.
"I am in this communication, at an unusual hour, because as you know, this morning in Lezhë Island, the State Police officer, Saimir Hoxha, was on duty. Deputy Commissioner Saimir Hoxha was part of the territory control group, for the identification and disposal of narcotics.
The author of the event, Aldi Rama, a young man previously convicted in the field of narcotics, was neutralized after several hours of being surrounded by special police forces.
The special investigative group, under the direction of the Prosecutor's Office, is continuing the intensive investigations to clarify and document all the details of this serious event, which has affected and shocked the entire public opinion.
I take advantage of this public appearance to once again express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased, his friends and colleagues.
The Central Status Commission "Martyr of the Fatherland" has started the procedures for declaring the officer Saimir Hoxha, "Martyr of the Fatherland", guaranteeing his family all the attention and support given by special law.
Also on this occasion, I strongly encourage the entire State Police force and express my unlimited support, and on behalf of the Albanian government, to resolutely continue the daily battle against crime, whatever it may be. I only want to express respect and gratitude for the fall in the line of duty, with the promise that we will not stop for a moment to bring to justice anyone who dares to raise the hand of crime against the Police. Events like today's really create pain and indignation in the heart of every Albanian, but in no way do they repel or discourage us in the fight against illegality. Neither me as Minister of the Interior nor the State Police", said Chuçi.
