The Municipality of Gjirokastër condemns in the strongest terms the spread on social networks and in any other public form of false, fabricated, and alarming information and claims, which have the clear aim of creating a state of insecurity and panic among citizens. The recently circulated claims, according to which the Mayor of the Municipality and 18 employees of this institution have been infected with the HIV/AIDS virus, are completely untrue, fabricated, and without any factual or real basis.
The Municipality of Gjirokastër considers this not merely an act of disinformation, but a serious, irresponsible, and dangerous action, which aims to damage the image of the institution, undermine the dignity and integrity of the employees of the local administration, harm the reputation of the Mayor of the Municipality, and, above all, spread panic and insecurity among citizens. Such content has no connection to the right to information, but represents a malicious attempt to poison the public climate with falsehoods and create unjustified concern in the community.
The dissemination of false information or notifications, whether verbally, in writing, or by any other means, with the aim of causing a state of insecurity and panic among people, constitutes a criminal offense, explicitly provided for by Article 267 of the Penal Code of the Republic of Albania, which stipulates punishment by fine or imprisonment of up to five years.
In this case, it is clear that the purpose of these false claims is not simply the spread of an untruth, but the creation of panic among citizens, the disruption of public tranquility, and the incitement of insecurity in public opinion. Precisely this element of intent makes this behavior directly related to the provision of Article 267 of the Penal Code.
For this reason, the Municipality of Gjirokastër directly calls on the State Police and the Prosecutor's Office to immediately initiate the necessary verifications and investigations to identify the authors, instigators, publishers, and distributors of this false and alarming information, as well as to bring to legal responsibility every person involved in this action. Such behavior cannot be treated as a mere statement on social networks, but as an act with direct consequences for public order, citizens' trust, and the normal functioning of institutional life.
The Municipality of Gjirokastër assures citizens that no such situation exists, as maliciously claimed in these publications. Any information disseminated in this regard is completely false and constructed with the aim of damaging the institution's image and creating unwarranted alarm among the public. Citizens should be assured that the Municipality of Gjirokastër continues to normally exercise its functions and, as always, serves the citizens.
Simultaneously, the Municipality of Gjirokastër announces that it will fully and resolutely pursue all legal avenues to protect the reputation of the institution, the image of the Mayor of the Municipality, and the dignity of every employee, seeking legal measures against the authors of this false and alarming material.
The Municipality of Gjirokastër also calls on citizens, the media, and social media users to act responsibly, verify information sources, and not become part of spreading false content aimed at creating panic. Maintaining public tranquility, civic responsibility, and communication based on truth is a shared obligation of every citizen and every institution.