Prime Minister Edi Rama accused Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) of failing for years to address the January 21, 2011 killings, saying the case was effectively ignored despite being widely described as a state crime.

Speaking at a conference attended by relatives of the victims, Rama said justice has been absent for 15 years and pointed directly at SPAK, arguing that prosecutors failed to bring meaningful charges despite institutional reforms and a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.

“For years, SPAK acted as if this case did not exist,” Rama said, adding that SPAK prosecutors are paid higher salaries than both the prime minister and the president.

Rama recalled that after protesters had begun to disperse, security forces opened fire, killing four people and injuring others. He described the incident as a “state crime” and said those responsible showed a criminal intent to kill.

He said the lack of accountability has deepened frustration among the victims’ families and the public, noting that neither the justice reform nor the establishment of special prosecutorial structures has brought closure to the case.

Rama also criticized what he described as selective action by SPAK, saying the institution has launched investigations in other cases based on anonymous complaints, while failing to pursue charges related to the Jan. 21 killings.

The prime minister said the case was ultimately taken to the European Court of Human Rights by relatives of the victims, including Mark Nika, the uncle of Aleks Nika, one of those killed during the protests.