Erjon Vishkulli’s sister disputes Rama’s claim: Treatment in Italy was made possible by family and friends

The sister of 28-year-old Erjon Vishkulli has responded to claims that the Albanian state arranged for him to be sent to Italy for specialized treatment.

In an Instagram post, she clarified that his transfer was made possible by the efforts of family, friends and supporters who contributed financially to his treatment.

Her response came after Prime Minister Edi Rama said he had given instructions for the costs of the 28-year-old’s medical procedures to be covered.

She urged the media to be careful, not to publish inaccurate information or use her brother’s condition for political purposes.

Vishkulli’s sister thanked everyone who had asked about his health but stressed that the family wanted to stay out of political disputes during this time.

She also expressed gratitude to those who took the initiative and helped secure more specialized treatment in Italy.

She said news websites should not spread unfounded stories to attract views or serve Rama’s propaganda. She accused the prime minister of trying to cast himself as the central figure and turn the matter into a political debate by saying he had ordered the costs of the operations to be covered.

She stressed that Erjon’s transfer abroad was not organized or financed by the state, but by family, friends and supporters. She also called for only accurate information, not false reports, to be shared.

At the end of her message, she shared a heartfelt note to her brother, expressing her love and her wish for him to return home safe and well, smiling, and bring joy to their mother and father.

Erjon Vishkulli was injured in his left eye during the October 24 protest in Tirana after being hit by a rubber bullet. His family hopes specialized treatment in Italy will save his sight.

His sister’s response disputes the claim that the state arranged the transfer. The family wants the focus to remain on his health and recovery, not political disputes.