The former Head of the Albanian Secret Service, Mr.Fatos Klosi, had a
live interview with Top Channel’s Chief News Editor and anchorman of the
evening news, Pandi Gjata. Klodi commented the recent event which
brought the arrest of eight people over terrorism charges. The suspects
are accused of recruiting Albanian Muslim devotees to send them to
Syria.
Pandi Gjata: You must have followed the arrest of eight people, charged of terrorism, who have been accused by the Prosecution of Serious Crimes for recruiting people for sending them to fight in Syria. Based on your long past experience as head of the Secret Service, or even after you left this duty, did this scheme get activated now, during the Syrian war, or has it been active even earlier?
Fatos Klosi: I believe that it has a new dimension now. Certainly, it might have existed even earlier, but it is becoming more clear now. It is a pity that years ago we have dealt with foreigners, and now we have Albanians getting involved in these activities. I think we have taken steps back in this direction.
Pandi Gjata: You have been Head of the Secret Service when some foreigners were deported for this reason. Now that the suspects are Albanians, what’s your opinion for this change?
Fatos Klosi: Albanians have had more contacts with terrorism. Some Albanian boys who have studied abroad have preserved the contacts by making them even stronger.
Pandi Gjata: Was Albania unprepared for this? What was our country missing for allowing this development?
Fatos Klosi: I cannot say that Albania was unprepared. I would say that there are more contacts between Albanian young people and terrorism segments, and they have been indoctrinated. It is up to the state to be more careful not only with foreigners, but also with Albanians. Even them are becoming problematic now.
Pandi Gjata: The viewers might be curious to know, if you have information, about how this recruitment is made from their homes to the battle front?
Fatos Klosi: I don’t think that I know this problem. Certainly, after so many years out of service, I am a sensible citizen to these topics, but I cannot say more than what the media tells about it. I cannot be specific about the mechanism.
Pandi Gjata: How dangerous is this phenomenon and will the recent law amends be able to stop it? Not only for Albania, but also for Kosovo, which took these measures earlier than Tirana.
Fatos Klosi: Certainly, I cannot say how dangerous it is. I don’t know the proportions of this phenomenon, but it remains dangerous. Because, if this would be allowed, if the state would not interfere, more Albanians will have contacts with this terrorism and it is not good for Albania.
Pandi Gjata: Do the media help stopping this phenomenon?
Fatos Klosi: Certainly. It was good that the media published this phenomenon, so that more people are made aware of what happens with their children and so that they can take better care. Media has played an important role.
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