In a letter addressed to the U.S. Embassy, the family of Martin Cani, a 14-year-old boy tragically killed three weeks ago, has made serious accusations against Albanian institutions. The letter, written by Martin’s parents, Angel and Florina Cani, denounces the authorities’ alleged attempts to manipulate the case while failing to take accountability for their role in their son’s death. The family also highlights concerning connections between the crime and powerful figures within Albanian institutions, pointing to a possible cover-up.
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THE FULL LETTER TO THE U.S. EMBASSY
“We, Angel and Florina Cani, the parents of 14-year-old Martin Cani, who has been absent from our family for three weeks now, are writing to you with a heavy heart. Our son was killed at a time when we believed he was safe at school – an institution administered by the Albanian state.
For over two weeks, we have endured a second murder of Martin due to the irresponsibility of certain Albanian institutions. Not one official has taken responsibility or resigned for the incompetence that led to the loss of our son. Worse still, we are being tormented as parents, along with Martin’s brother, Henri, by attempts to manipulate the case and deliberately cover up the truth, only to protect the guilty – those who, unlike Martin, remain alive.
We say this based on information provided by people close to us and from the ongoing discussions in TV studios between crime journalists, prosecutors, lawyers, and former police officers. What is most alarming is the information regarding the involvement of the son of a former police officer, who now works at the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH), and whose mother is employed at SPAK – the Special Anti-Corruption Structure. This is an institution created and assisted with funds from U.S. taxpayers, intended to bring justice to cases like ours. Instead, we fear it is being used to protect the guilty.
Madam Nancy,
We place our trust in you as the mother of a wonderful boy and as the representative of a nation where justice is sacred.
Please help us by closely monitoring the behavior and actions of Albanian law enforcement institutions to ensure that the truth is fully uncovered and that all those directly or indirectly involved in this crime are brought to justice. The protection of individuals connected to those in power – through manipulation and silence – must not be allowed to succeed.
We know that Martin will never return to us, but justice for those who took our son’s life and are now attempting to kill his memory will allow us to find some peace and focus on Henri – Martin’s brother. Henri does not yet understand that Martin can no longer see him, kiss him, or sleep beside him as he did just three weeks ago.
We place our trust in you.
With respect and deep sorrow,
Angel and Florina Cani”
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The family’s plea highlights systemic failures and frustrations with Albanian institutions while revealing troubling allegations of institutional interference. The involvement of individuals with close ties to SPAK and the National Bureau of Investigation – both key institutions supported by U.S. taxpayer funds – raises serious questions about impartiality and justice.
The Canis’ call for U.S. oversight underscores their growing distrust in domestic institutions, which they accuse of protecting the powerful at the expense of justice for their son. The letter serves as a stark reminder of the lingering challenges within Albania’s law enforcement system and the families left fighting alone for accountability.