Professor Michele D'Angelo, 44, a biology professor at the University of L'Aquila, has been detained in a prison in Albania since August, following a road accident near Tirana. The news, previously reported by the newspaper Il Centro, was confirmed by the university's rector, Fabio Graziosi.
The ANSA news agency has reconstructed the incident, where D'Angelo, who was driving a Lancia Ypsilon, was hit by another vehicle driven by an Albanian citizen. The professor, moreover, was traveling at a speed of no more than 40 km/h, while the other vehicle was traveling at a higher speed.
Despite this, D'Angelo has been charged with traffic violations and abandoning a vehicle after he left the car immediately after the crash. His defense considers this to be an instinctive reaction, not an escape attempt.
Since then, the lecturer – a well-known figure in the academic community – has been held in detention awaiting trial.
The reaction of the University of L'Aquila
In anticipation of new developments, the University of L'Aquila has mobilized.
"We are doing everything we can," declared the rector-elect, Fabio Graziosi, "to demand the professor's release and to relieve the psychological pressure on those involved in this event."
Various institutional representatives have also expressed concern, including Senator Luciano D'Alfonso, who on September 11 presented a parliamentary interpellation to the Italian Foreign Minister, requesting maximum cooperation with Albanian authorities and clarification of the dynamics of the accident.
The Italian Embassy is closely following the case of the citizen detained in Albania
The Italian Embassy in Tirana and the Consulate General in Vlora "are following with maximum attention" the case of Professor Michele D'Angelo, detained in an Albanian prison since August, the Italian Foreign Ministry (Farnesina) states.
According to her, constant contact is being maintained with Italian citizens, prison visits have been carried out, and all necessary consular assistance is being provided.
Michele D'Angelo and his partner were involved in a car accident on August 8, 2025 in Albania. The next day, both were stopped by police, but only Mr. D'Angelo was taken into custody, accused of "failure to render assistance." His trial is still ongoing.
https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2025/09/26/docente-universita-dellaquila-detenuto-in-albania-da-agosto_ef960bd4-c7fb-4083-9473-1437f175c6c6.html
