Journalist and public intellectual Artur Zheji laid to rest in Tirana
Artur Zheji—journalist, analyst and publicist—was laid to rest in Tirana after passing away on Saturday from a heart attack, one week before his 64th birthday.
Homages for one of the most recognized voices in Albanian media and public thought were held at the University of Arts, where he graduated in directing. His passing brought together figures from media and politics alike. Prime Minister Edi Rama, a childhood friend, wrote: “Farewell, friend from other times, and may you find on the other side peace for your soul.” During the ceremony, opposition leader Sali Berisha—often a target of Zheji’s sharp commentary, as was Rama—said he did not always agree with Zheji’s views but respected the ethics he maintained in his writing.
Zheji’s career began in the early post-communist years, where he stood out as a sharp reporter and analyst and a critical voice in print, radio and television. He held leadership roles at RTSH and ATSH and, since 2017, hosted the political talk show “360 Gradë.”
Born on August 29, 1961, in Tirana to translator and intellectual Petro Zheji and actress Besa Imami, he graduated in directing from the Institute of Arts before moving to Italy for roughly a decade. There, he worked at Radio Radicale as a specialist on European and Balkan affairs during the Kosovo war, becoming a prominent voice for Albanians on the international stage.
Through his articles and television appearances, Zheji offered audiences depth and clarity, coupling analysis with rich language, culture and erudition. He will be remembered not only as a journalist and publisher but as an independent mind who loved Albania, criticized it harshly when it erred, and defended it passionately against injustice.
His loss is a major blow to the media community, to society, and to all who knew him and had the fortune to work and learn alongside him.
Go deeper
Europol: 28-ton cocaine ring exposes Albanian criminals’ deep global ties
Published on August 12, 2025
Why is this important: The finding underscores how Albanian-linked groups operate across continents, sourcing cocaine directly from producers, moving multi-ton consignments to Europe, and laundering proceeds through real estate investments in Albania and EU countries.
Controlled demolition removes illegal 3-storey seafront building in Vlora
Published on August 12, 2025
Why is this important: The action forms part of a nationwide drive—underway for nearly a month—to free public spaces. The campaign began in Theth, where more than ten unlicensed wooden cabins in the heart of the tourist village were cleared. The Prime Minister has said the crackdown on illegal construction and encroachment will remain constant throughout the new governing mandate.
FIBA opens probe after anti-Albanian chants at North Macedonia–Romania game
Published on August 5, 2025
Why is this important: Spectators in the second round pre-qualifier hurled slogans like “A good Albanian is a dead Albanian,” “Gas chamber for Albanians” and “Pure Macedonia,” stark reminders of deep ethnic divides in a country where Albanians constitute nearly one third of the 1.8 million population. Such hate speech on a global sporting stage threatens to inflame tensions and tarnish North Macedonia’s multiethnic fabric.