TIRANA, April 1 /ATA/ – Albania’s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has sent a formal letter to foreign embassies in Tirana expressing concern over recent developments in the country’s justice system.
The opposition specifically referred to an April 9 session of the Supreme Court’s United Chambers to review issues related to the pre-detention security measure.
Gazment Bardhi, head of DP’s parliamentary group, said the move appeared to be a personal initiative by Chief Justice Sokol Sadushi without clear legal justification. He warned the initiative comes at a sensitive moment in Albania’s anti-corruption efforts, with several current and former senior officials under investigation or subject to security measures on charges including corruption and abuse of office.
Bardhi noted that Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj is currently the only serving senior official in detention, and expressed concern that any change in the interpretation of pre-trial detention could also affect high-profile organized crime figures.
The letter also cited recent public remarks by senior government officials, including the prime minister, criticizing the use of pre-trial detention, raising concerns over possible influence or pressure on judicial institutions.
DP said there is reasonable public concern that a softer interpretation of the measure could alter the status of detainees, potentially undermining public trust in judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts.
It urged embassies to closely monitor the Supreme Court’s deliberations, promote transparency, and support adherence to international rule-of-law standards. The party added that safeguarding judicial independence and accountability for senior officials is essential for Albania’s European Union integration process.
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