SHISH chief’s dismissal: Bardhi calls for Rama’s resignation and prosecution, says Hyseni served organized crime

The head of the Democratic Party’s Parliamentary Group, Gazment Bardhi, reacted after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Vlora Hyseni’s removal as head of the State Intelligence Service (SHISH). According to him, the dismissal of the SHISH chief does not resolve the situation, and political responsibility remains with the prime minister.

Bardhi’s reaction came after Tuesday’s developments, when the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime, at SPAK’s request, imposed the security measure of “house arrest” on Hyseni, along with suspension from duty. The measure is believed to be linked to investigations into the case file involving AKSHI and Ergys Agasi.

Bardhi said that Vlora Hyseni had been placed at the head of SHISH to serve the interests of organized crime. He added that he had also made this position public from the floor of Parliament in 2024.

“Vlora Hyseni did the job the prime minister assigned her very well: providing information to and protecting organized crime!” he said.

Recalling his earlier statement, the head of the DP Parliamentary Group said: “Edi Rama appointed Vlora Hyseni to head the State Intelligence Service as Ergys Agasi’s person and to serve organized crime.”

According to Bardhi, Hyseni’s removal after the security measure was imposed is not enough to solve the problem or to avert the prime minister’s responsibility. He argued that the issue is not limited to the SHISH chief, but concerns the way Rama selects the people he appoints to head institutions.

“Therefore, Vlora Hyseni’s dismissal, even though the prime minister is allergic to the phrase ‘suspension from duty’, solves nothing. Another Vlora will take her place, because the country’s prime minister is not a free man,” Bardhi declared.

At the end of his statement, he called for Edi Rama to step down as head of government and face justice. “Edi Rama must resign and face justice!” said Gazment Bardhi.

Vlora Hyseni was nominated by Edi Rama for the post of SHISH chief in March 2023, and her appointment was decreed by President Bajram Begaj on April 3 of the same year. Before being appointed to this position, Hyseni had served as the prime minister’s adviser on security matters.