Crime & Courts
Erjon Vishkulli, injured in the eye at a protest, more stable in Italy; Rama: The state covered the costs
The brother of the 28-year-old from Elbasan told Klan News that doctors are positive about the recovery of his eye and that a second operation is expected on Oct. 26.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 25, 2026, 18:45 · Updated 18:41 · 2 min read
In brief
- Erjon Vishkulli was hit in the eye by a rubber bullet during the Oct. 24 protest in Tirana.
- His brother, Emiljan, said he was flown on a special plane with doctors and that the state took care of everything.
- Prime Minister Rama said the medical flight and treatment in Italy were provided by the state.
The condition of Erjon Vishkulli, the 28-year-old from Elbasan who was hit in the eye by a rubber bullet during the Oct. 24 protest in Tirana, is more stable, according to his family. His brother, Emiljan Vishkulli, told Klan News on Sunday that doctors in Italy have spoken positively about the recovery of the eye.
“State institutions responded to us”
Emiljan said a special plane was used to take Erjon to Italy, with doctors accompanying him during the flight. “My brother's condition looks good and state institutions have responded to us in the most proper way,” he said, adding that the state took care of every step, including the plane and the transport. A second operation is expected on Oct. 26, and the family is hoping for good news.
Rama: Out of humanity, not for the spotlight
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the costs and the medical flight to Rome were provided by the state and that no one else had covered them. He reacted after the young man's sister published a post that was shared by political and non-political figures. Rama said he had wished the young man well before his departure, together with his brother, from the airport's VIP lounge, and that this was done “not at all for the spotlight” but out of humanity.
The prime minister also shared the brother's interview on social media, saying he had personally arranged treatment at one of Italy's best hospitals and transport on a medical charter flight, and criticized media outlets that, in his view, had misrepresented the situation.
According to the State Police, the Professional Standards Directorate is investigating the 28-year-old's injury, and an officer of the “Shqiponja” (Eagle) Force has been suspended pending the investigation; the Police Oversight Agency and prosecutors have also opened inquiries.
