TIRANA, May 10 /ATA/ “ Gërdeci “case is re-opened because the charges raised against Fatmir Mediu in the aftermath of the tragedy were not investigated due to his parliamentary immunity at that time.”
This is what the head of SPAK, Arben Kraja, stated during a televised interview, adding that no new evidence have come to light so far.
“It is re-opened at the request one of the family members. The was referred for investigation in 2009. A part of the file has been closed while the accusation against Mediu has re-activated due to the immunity that is no longer effective, so we have asked the Court to reopen the case that has not started and has never been reviewed so far. So far there is no new evidence. Maybe more evidence will come to light during the investigation,” said Kraja.
Kraja emphasized that corruption is a pressing issue in our country. There are many issues related to corruption, but also to informal market. Since there is a lot of informality around, it is more difficult to investigate and gather evidence,” Kraja said.
“Prosecutors work with different actors, but we have been selected not to bow to the pressure and work in very good conditions. We have reached an agreement that guarantees our compliance with the law and the standard in place, “the head of SPAK said.
Kraja adds that organized crime in Albania is linked with international structures.
“Citizens’ trust is crucial to our work. There is an increasing number of people who are collaborating with justice and the people involved in criminal activity themselves can provide evidence that help shed light on the events. When we talk about ‘big fish,’ we imply the functionary. Whoever commits a criminal offense will go to court, but opinions and impressions lead nowhere,” he added.
Also, when asked about the arrest of the judge of Kruja first-instance court, Enkelejda Hoxha, Kraja said that the investigation is towards completion.
“It was a serious offence from the viewpoint of the justice system. Certain cases were handled in breach of procedures. The case is towards completion and will go to court that will deliver a final decision. Under the law, the judge must deliver a decision within a certain time. When the decision-making intended to make way for a benefit in defiance of the rules, then the judge has violated the law,” adds Kraja.
Regarding vote buying and selling in April 25 elections, Kraja stressed that investigations have started for cases that fall within the remit of the SPAK structure. We have received many reports from entities, such as police, the media outlets and all of them have been examined with priority. The whole sector responsible for cases that fall within our remit has started investigations. The investigation takes its time, there are legal deadlines and once they are over we will announce the results. On the Day of Justice, I want to give the message that we are there, we are very serious and stand firm on our mission,” – concluded Kraja. /a.a/sm/
