The event is scheduled to take place between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM at the University of Fine Arts.

Journalist, analyst, and former General Director of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), Artur Zheji, passed away yesterday at the age of 64. He died in the city of Saranda, where he was vacationing with his family.

Zheji was recognized as one of the most prominent figures in Albanian journalism and public commentary.

With a long-standing career in media, he became one of the most influential voices and pens in the country’s journalistic and public debate landscape. He held leadership roles across various media outlets, including at Albanian Radio and Television (ART) and the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA).

For many years, Artur Zheji made significant contributions as an analyst, talk show host, editorial writer, and political commentator, leaving a lasting mark on Albanian media discourse.

Born on August 29, 1961, Zheji came from a distinguished family—he was the son of renowned Albanian scholar Petro Zheji and celebrated actress Besa Imami. His intellectual heritage and deep engagement with public life shaped him into one of the most influential voices in the country’s journalistic landscape.

Zheji earned his degree in directing from the Higher Institute of Arts, where he stood out for his talent and made a notable contribution to Albanian dramaturgy. As part of his graduation, his play “Raimonda” was brought to life on the stage of the National Theatre, signaling a significant early achievement in his artistic path.

After graduating, Zheji moved to Italy, where he lived for around ten years. During that time, he worked at Radio Radicale as a specialist in European and Balkan affairs, particularly during the Kosovo War. His work positioned him as a significant voice for Albanians on the international stage, amplifying their concerns and perspectives during a critical period in the region’s history.

Since 2017, Artur Zheji had been the host of the political and analytical program 360 Gradë, where his sharp insights and commanding presence shaped public debate in Albania.

His sudden passing has deeply shaken not only his family, but also colleagues and the wider public, who regarded him as a figure of integrity and exceptional professionalism. His death marks a significant loss for Albanian journalism, political analysis, and the media landscape as a whole.

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