Berisha: Vlora Hyseni’s appointment as head of SHISH met none of the criteria; she returned to confront former associates

Speaking with citizens on social media, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha described last week as one of the worst periods for scandals in Albania’s history.

According to him, there are only two comparable cases in world history.

Berisha spoke in particular about the former head of the National Intelligence Service, Vlora Hyseni, and allegations concerning her ties to organized crime.

According to the Democratic Party leader, the security measure imposed on the intelligence chief is the most serious blow to the state. He argued that the head of SHISH must be the official entrusted with the highest level of confidence.

Berisha said Hyseni’s appointment to the post had been made in complete disregard of the criteria, recalling that he had raised the issue in her first week in office.

He also repeated his accusations against Ergys Agasi, whom he said had taken complete control of the intelligence service.

Berisha: The week that just passed brought an extraordinary scandal, not only in Albania’s history but in world history, where there are only two other similar cases.

The head of the country’s intelligence service is arrested for collaborating with Ergys Agasi’s criminal organization, the most dangerous in Europe, and for disclosing state secrets. According to him, this brought about the complete collapse of the country’s security structure.

I want to stress to Albanian citizens that the arrest of the intelligence chief for collaboration with crime and disclosure of secrets is more serious than the arrest of any other official for the same offenses, because that person must be certified for the highest level of trust.

Meanwhile, Vlora Hyseni was appointed to that position despite meeting none of the criteria. This remains one of the most important questions requiring an answer.

Sali Berisha, and perhaps others, raised concerns about Vlora Hyseni in the first week after her undeserved appointment and continued to do so afterward.

Sali Berisha has also repeatedly accused Ergys Agasi of taking complete control of the National Intelligence Service.

According to Berisha, the fact that Vlora Hyseni was arrested, or that an arrest warrant was issued for her, at a time when she was not part of the government shows that current government officials insisted she return at all costs.

She returned and, apparently, her return was intended to settle scores with the associates she believed had betrayed her.

For this reason, Berisha warned that future developments would be of the same scale and magnitude.