Albanian Premier Edi Rama has refused to accept journalist Bledi Marku as one of the representatives of the residents that are protesting against the demolition of their homes and livelihood in the Lapraka neighborhood in Tirana. The journalist of Syri TV is one of the residents of the area that have been protesting for weeks now against the decision of the government and Tirana’s Municipality and requested to be among the representatives in the meeting with the Prime Minister.

Rama handpicked three persons from the protesters to represent the families that were thrown in the streets after their homes were demolished, and he addressed to Marku with the words: “Not you, you go and make propaganda on television!”

After that, Marku spoke to the media reporters that are present at the protest taking place outside the Albanian parliament. He said he know the reasons why Rama does not want him among the residents’ representatives: “Maybe he fears I will ask some questions he cannot answer to”.

“I am one of the persons that know very well the issues of the new city ring”, Marku said. “I know the number of buildings (demolished to make space), I know the addresses of every person that had their homes demolished, I know the deflections made to the project”, Marku said.

“But the Prime Minister doesn’t know I am not here for propaganda or as a media representative. My profession is journalist, but today I have come in front of the parliament to meet Premier Edi Rama and express my concern, to ask him why he delayed the promised legalization of the homes after nine years in the government. He handpicks pointing with his finger ‘1, 2, 3… come with me’, maybe he fears I will ask questions he won’t be able to answer”.