Tirana Court Sends Mario Përlleshaj to Trial for Murder of Martin Cani

 The Tirana Court has decided to proceed with the trial of Mario Përlleshaj, a minor accused of murdering his peer, Martin Cani. The tragic event took place on November 18, 2024, near Fan Noli School in Tirana, just 200 meters from the school premises.

Luis Meçja and Martin Can's mother

Judge Migena Laska accepted the prosecution's request to move forward with the criminal case trial. Përlleshaj, who is only 14 years old, will be tried for the aggravated murder of a minor under circumstances involving multiple victims. The court also rejected the defense attorney’s request for a shortened trial, opting instead for a regular judicial process, according to local media reports.

The fatal incident occurred three days after an initial altercation between the two adolescents inside the school over a minor dispute. Although it seemed to have been resolved, the conflict reignited, leading to the tragic outcome.

In addition to the murder charge, Përlleshaj is also accused of injuring Luis Meçja, a close friend of the victim, Martin Cani. Meçja, who survived the attack, has expressed his willingness to testify in court, stating, “We want justice.”

Mario Përlleshaj is currently detained at the Juvenile Correctional Institute in Kavaja. In December 2024, he contested the “arrest in prison” measure, but his request was denied. On February 10, 2025, the Court of Appeals rejected another request for release, upholding the detention measure.

The trial proceedings are set to continue as the case unfolds.