January 21 Massacre/ Who gave the order to shoot at protesters? SPAK takes audio recording of Guard commanders to the US for expertise

As part of the investigation into the “January 21” massacre file, the Special Prosecution Office has sent for expertise all the radio communication material on the Republic Guard channel on January 21, 2011, where four protesters were killed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard during the Berisha government. Sources close to SPAK indicate that the audio communications of the Guard’s chain of command were sent via a registered letter to a specialized laboratory in the United States of America, thanks to the assistance provided by the American judicial authorities.

Initially, verification of the authenticity of the material is required and then the comparison of the voices that are part of the communication will be carried out. The original tape submitted by the family of the late Aleks Nika, one of the victims of the bullets on January 21, has gone to the United States of America. The Special Prosecution is awaiting a response from the US to continue with other investigative actions.

The audio recording contains a communication that is claimed to be the voice of Ndrea Prendi, at that time Commander of the Republic Guard, with the main leaders of the guard, mainly of the Special Battalion of the special unit. The recording begins 12 minutes before the murders and continues 22 minutes after the murders. The communications show that "Ndrea Prendi" gives the guardsmen the order to "open military fire as soon as the fence is crossed" that is, to use bullet cartridges and not maneuver cartridges to neutralize the attackers. In the communication, Prendi explains that: "This is the order".

Excerpt from the recording:

Ndrea Prendi: Artan, are you listening?

Artan Hoxha, deputy commander of the Guard: I hear, I hear

Ndrea Prendi: Once the barbed wire fence is crossed, combat fire will be opened

Deputy Commander: I understand, I understand.

Ndrea Prendi: This is the order

Ndrea Prendi: Dashamir, did you hear?!

Two special unit operatives: Alfred (Alfred Ahmetcenaj) he, he, he's bleeding.

Ndrea Prendi: Alfred?

Alfred Ahmetcenaj: I'm listening.

Ndrea Prendi: Beware of the ammunition! Beware of the ammunition!”
SPAK has been investigating the 4 murders of protesters on the boulevard for almost 2 years, since July 15, 2024 when it registered the case after the Supreme Court ordered the launch of the investigation. Since that moment, SPAK has questioned a number of former senior state officials who were in office at the time of the incident. Former President Bamir Topi, former Interior Minister Lulzim Basha, as well as former President Ilir Meta, who was questioned at his request, have appeared before the prosecutors. Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, also, after a failed attempt to delay his testimony, appeared before SPAK on November 19 of last year. Since that moment, no new developments have been communicated by the Special Prosecution.

Happening now...

18:22 BOTA

Iraq/ Two American soldiers and one British soldier die during training

17:57 HAPPENING NOW

The Special Court sentences Florenc Çapjan and two others to prison

17:46 HAPPENING NOW

The redevelopment of the Congress Palace, the project of Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd wins! A 255-meter tower is added to the existing building

17:34 BOTA

SHBA planifikon rritjen e avionëve me bomba bërthamore në Evropë

17:24 SPORT

"We will not be confused on the field, I promise Albania will be different", new coach Maran: Together we will do great things

17:28 crossword

Champions League schedule June 2

17:08 BOTA

Tense Trump-Netanyahu phone call, Beirut military operation canceled at the last minute

16:53 SPORT

"We are motivated, to adapt to Mara as soon as possible", Gjimshiti before Israel: I expect a good match, we have a strong team

16:37 BOTA

With lighting, ventilation and a secret exit in the store! The tunnel that allowed the passage of drugs from Mexico to the US is discovered

16:21 BOTA

Zelensky demands Patriot missiles from US after massive Russian attacks

16:04 LIFE

Studimi: Konsumimi i shalqirit mund të ulë rrezikun e sëmundjeve të zemrës

16:02 SPORT

Tirana awaits Xhixha's word, 30 official departures in 365 days. The striker must decide on his future

15:57 POLITICS

Same as with the student protest/ Rama posts the video of them insulting him and invites the protesters to a meeting: Let's discuss!

15:41 HAPPENING NOW

Robbery at the "OTP" branch, the perpetrator allegedly followed a woman who was carrying around 15 million lek! He entered the bank and committed the robbery

Want to read more news