In harsh tones the head of the Muslim Community of Albania, Bujar Spahiu has condemned instances of domestic violence in Albania as this Balkan country celebrated Greater Eid, known in Albania as “Bajram,” on Tuesday
In Tirana, thousands of Muslim believers prayed in “Skënderbej” square, but also in other mosques in the capital and other parts of Albania.
In the Eid al-Adha prayer, Spahiu congratulated the Muslim believers, saying that it is a holiday that reminds us how high man’s devotion to God must be. “One of the costs that today’s man pays by running only after this world, is the neglect of the family,” he said. Spahiu pointed out that days like today should serve us to reflect.
He noted that “reports of domestic violence are growing every day” and described the situation as “unacceptable.”
In fact, at least 53% of Albanian women will experience at least one form of domestic violence in their lives. Thousands of protection orders are issued each year, as much as eight per day. Out of the 4627 reported instances of domestic violence in 2020, the police only prosecuted 13%. Furthermore, most cases go unreported, meaning the instances of violence in the country are much higher.
This year alone, there have been several horrific femicides, including the brutal murder of a pregnant woman and two murder-suicides.
Spahiu then went on to criticize divorce. He said it’s becoming more common, especially for those with children. He claimed that “the damage caused to the child by the divorce of parents is unacceptable” and said this is backed up by “sociological studies.”
In the meantime, he said do not leave your parents alone, take care of them, treat them with love and compassion, as they took care of you when you were a child. “This is what God commands us in the great Qur’an,” he said.
Spahiu pointed out that days like Greater Eid should serve us to reflect.
As usual Albanian senior officials conveyed messages to commemorate this holiday of the Muslim community. / argumentum.al
