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| Cape of Rodon, May, 2021 |
In a shocking incident near Cape of Rodon, a property dispute has escalated into a violent clash involving Mark Frroku, a former Albanian deputy previously imprisoned for various financial crimes. Alongside him, three other individuals are embroiled in a brawl with local residents of Shetaj village over a piece of land adjacent to the coastline, local media say.
Mark Frroku, who had been incarcerated for charges of concealing wealth, money laundering, and unauthorized construction, was released from prison in 2018. He is among the four individuals attempting to assert their claim over the disputed property.
Identifying themselves as representatives of the Church, these individuals have initiated the encirclement of the contested area. However, their actions have been met with fierce resistance from local residents who assert their ownership of the land.
In response to these claims, the Catholic Church's representative in the region, Ms. Ana Shtjefni, has denied that these individuals are authorized representatives of the Church. She stated in an interview with News24 that these persons are not affiliated with the Church and have no authorization to act on its behalf. According to Ms. Shtjefni, their actions appear to be driven by personal interests, attempting to exploit the ongoing conflict.
The conflict has escalated to a point where physical altercations, including the use of force, have taken place. Authorities discovered a handgun at the scene following the violent confrontation. It is suspected that the individual who discharged the firearm is a relative of the former deputy, Mark Frroku.
The dispute has pitted local residents, including Bajram Kaçuli, Ylli Reka, Erjon Reka, and Orgito Reka, against the claimants who purport to represent the Church: Mark Frroku, Antonio Lazari, Pal Doda, and Martin Lazeri.