Albanian Lawyer Sokol Mëngjesi in Critical Condition After Brutal Attack in Tirana

Albanian lawyer Sokol Mëngjesi remains in critical condition after being brutally attacked on June 1, 2024, by three individuals, including Dritan Nano, in the former Bllok area of Tirana. The attack is believed to have stemmed from a conflict over a property dispute.

Mëngjesi, 45, was attacked while leaving his child at kindergarten. The perpetrators, identified as Dritan Nano, 58, his son-in-law Dorian Alia, 32, and two other suspects, Elton Kasaj, 33, and Drivald Alia, 21, are accused of carrying out the assault. Nano is alleged to have orchestrated the attack after refusing to liquidate the lawyer according to a signed contract.

Why this matters: This brutal attack on a lawyer in Albania highlights the country's ongoing struggle with organized crime and corruption, which can have a chilling effect on the rule of law and democratic institutions. If left unchecked, such violence can undermine public trust in the justice system and embolden criminal elements.

The property dispute involves a plot of land at Lake Dam, where towers are currently being built. Mëngjesi represented a family with eight heirs in a legal battle over the property, which he won. This victory led to the conflict with Nano, who was one of the heirs.

Dorian Alia turned himself in after the incident, providing evidence that confirmed police suspicions of Nano's involvement. The prosecutor's office has requested the measure of 'prison arrest' for both the two detainees and the three wanted perpetrators, Drivald Alia, Elton Kasaj, and Romario Tabaku.

Mëngjesi is currently intubated and fighting for his life at the Trauma Hospital in Tirana. Doctors have stated that the next 72 hours will be decisive for his recovery. Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja visited Mëngjesi at the hospital to inquire about his health, although he refused to make any comments to the press.

The attack has sparked widespread outrage and concern in Albania. Ilir Meta, President of the Freedom Party, condemned the attack as a 'criminal and deliberate act' during a press conference. He stated, 'A criminal act, a deliberate act. There is no excuse, it is known where the bravery of these villains comes from, from the fact that the state has been captured by a master villain.'

A protest was held on June 1, 2024, in defense of Mëngjesi's family, emphasizing the public's demand for justice and accountability. The incident has also led to a reclassification of the criminal offense from 'attempted murder of public officials' to 'deliberate serious injury carried out in cooperation' and 'opposition and beating of a judge carried out in cooperation.'

The police are continuing their search for the three wanted individuals, offering a 20,000-euro reward for anyone who provides information leading to their capture. The investigative team has not ruled out the possibility that the suspects may have left the country illegally.

Mëngjesi's condition remains critical, and the public is closely monitoring the situation. The court session addressing the authors of the attack is scheduled to take place today.

Key Takeaways

• Albanian lawyer Sokol Mëngjesi brutally attacked over property dispute.
• Three suspects, including Dritan Nano, accused of orchestrating the attack.
• Mëngjesi remains in critical condition, fighting for his life.
• Attack sparks widespread outrage, with calls for justice and accountability.
• Police offer 20,000-euro reward for information leading to capture of fugitives.