Gjergji Thimio, a noted art collector from Korça, south-east Albania, years ago in the spotlight due to his arrest under charges for art traffic, has reiterated his accusations against Premier Edi Rama. Thimio says Rama has been arrested twice for icons theft during his stay in France, adding he has also had problems in Cyprus, where he was detained once.

Thimio said he is ready to go to court and face defamation charges, but doubts Rama would dare to do the same.

“Rama has been penalized in Paris for theft of icons he used to take from churches in Albania. I have denounced this before as well, but the prosecution office has remained silent so far”, Thimio told television Fax News.

Rama changed his generalities when he became Mayor of Tirana, changing his name from Edvin to Edi, to lose his tracks.

“Rama’s past in Paris must be investigated, because there is a structured criminal gang in the government. I have known Rama long ago, when he opened his exhibition with icons. The icons were evidence, Rama used to expose them”.

Thimio made a very strong accusation when he said there were two attempts on his life in prison.

“They tried twice to kill me in prison. He imprisoned me, I have no problem if he sues me. He has manipulated an entire nation”, Thimio said.