Two nuns in Albania shot during armed robbery

Two armed robbers in Albania shot into the air to frighten their victims _ two Roman Catholic nuns _ but the bullets ricocheted and wounded the sisters at their home, police said Wednesday.

Sister Marilyse Berra, 46, of Switzerland, was shot in the stomach and arm, according to a police statement. She underwent emergency surgery and was expected to recover.

Sister Gennarina Neri, 62, of Italy, was treated for leg wounds and released from a hospital, police said. A third nun who was with them was not injured.

Before fleeing, police said the attackers took an undisclosed amount of money in Tuesday's robbery, which occurred in the village of Fan, 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Tirana.

Police said they detained eight people, but they were later released.

The nuns assisted the village, located in one of Albania's poorest areas, with medical aid and social programs, AP reported. V.A.