Supreme Court also rejected a related appeal filed by investigative journalist Jetmir Olldashi against an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeals.

Salianji was convicted for making fabricated accusations in the so-called “Babale” case, marking a significant legal action against a sitting MP.

The Supreme Court held the hearing in a consulting room, in absence of lawyers.

In September 2024, the Court of Appeals in Tirana had upheld the one-year prison sentence of the former DP MP Ervin Salianji, confirming the lower court’s ruling.

Salianji is currently serving his sentence in Fier prison since September 27, 2024, after being convicted of making false accusations.

In a statement via the social media, former opposition lawmaker Salianji said he was not surprised by the Supreme Court’s ruling, claiming that the verdict was politically motivated and was designed to eliminate him from the political battle.

Salianji vowed to take the case to the Strasbourg case, saying he will not cease seeking justice.

/u.sh/