Tourism Minister Warns New Rules as Citizens Demand Her Dismissal after Himara Event

Albania's Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro has revealed that the government is preparing the package of new rules for the regulation and coordination of marine tourism activities.

In an interview for the Deutsche Welle, Kumbaro underllined that the State Police and the Border Police have been asked to strictly monitor the water space on the beaches, as well as harshly punish the violators.

"We are dealing with an event where a completely irresponsible person broke every law and order by crossing the security cordon and making dangerous maneuvers, which deserves maximum punishment. 

We are preparing the package of new rules for the regulation and coordination of marine tourism activities. We have asked the State Police and the Border Police for strict monitoring of the water space on the beaches as well as maximum punishments for violators", told DW the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mirela Kumbaro. 

Earlier this month, Jonada Avdia, a seven-year-old girl who lived in England with her Albanian family, was hit to death by the propeller of a speedboat, driven by an off-duty police officer, Arian Tase, when she was was playing with his father in the exclusive swimming area, on a beach in Himara. 

However, the arrest of the author of the incident and the immediate dismissal by the State Police of 15 local police officers, who were supposed to guard the beach, have not reduced the concern of citizens for the safety of life. 

Alongside the flowers and candles in memory of the murdered little girl, the protesters demand justice and accountability from state institutions.