Admitted to psychiatry: Genard Hajdini erupts over Sonida: “They took my sister from me”

In an ordinary neighborhood in Tirana, where afternoons are usually spent chatting among neighbors or having coffee, Genard and Sonida Hajdini lived. To the locals, they were known as two quiet neighbors who went about their work and lived peacefully. On social media, however, they were recognized as viral personalities, associated with the phenomenon of “good things, beautiful things,” “danoçat,” and many other spontaneous memes.

But behind them lies a deeper story, one that has now ended with both in a psychiatric hospital.

“They were calm people and lived well as long as they had their father. He took care of them, giving them their medication on schedule. There were some instances when Genard would walk the stairs in inappropriate clothing, but Sonida was always very calm, in her own world. She even taught online classes until recently. She was very capable,” a neighbor said.

“The day they came to take Sonida, he was at the local market downstairs buying something. He often got cold canned coffee. When he realized what was happening, he just shouted: ‘They took my sister!’ He ran and looked inside the ambulance. Sonida hadn’t even been brought down yet. He went upstairs, and then they brought both of them down. The ambulance took Sonida, the police took Genard,” another resident recounted.

“People have always cared about them. When they had problems, many would come to ask. They even brought food. Both were good people. They had their struggles and suffering. But how could anyone blame them? I felt really bad that they were sent to psychiatry,” said another neighbor.

Their story begins in the late 1990s, in a turbulent Albania. Their mother tragically died from a stray bullet while on the balcony. They were children, and according to those who knew them, this loss left an indelible mark on their lives. Despite this, Genard and Sonida persevered. They excelled in school, moved to the United States, and were recognized for their academic achievements—studies in biochemistry, philosophy, foreign languages, multiple master’s degrees.

Later, they returned to Albania, living together in a simple life among the market, cooking, books, and Instagram videos. Their motto, “good things, beautiful things,” went viral. People loved them for their sincerity and spontaneity, but online success could not erase deep wounds. A few months ago, they also lost their father, who, according to neighbors, had been their main support—another heavy blow.

A few days ago, Genard posted footage of his sister in a distressed state on social media. The video quickly spread. After the post, social services, medical staff, and police intervened. Official verifications found no evidence of violence, and it was clarified that the video was posted to draw attention on social media. The footage was immediately deleted.

Currently, Genard and Sonida are hospitalized at the Tirana psychiatric hospital, receiving specialized care. The case has been referred to the prosecutor’s office, while social institutions have begun drafting a monitoring and support plan for a phenomenon that makes us smile on our screens but reflects a fragile reality that requires professional help.

Their story is a reminder that untreated trauma does not disappear with time, that social media is not always a full reflection of someone’s life, and that behind every “story” there may be a deeper reality in need of support more than likes.

Today, silence dominates this neighborhood, but the message is clear: empathy and timely intervention can save lives, and goodness must be sought and protected, especially when someone cannot do it for themselves.

“KORÇA BOOM”