Bogdani said prosecutors across the system are prepared to ensure the public interest regardless of the institution where they serve, adding that SPAK has already established stable structures and its prosecutors’ mandates expire in stages rather than all at once.

“We cannot amend or reinterpret the law. Under the current framework, we must strictly apply the Constitution and the legislation in force,” Bogdani said. “All prosecutors, whether inside or outside SPAK, are ready to defend the public interest. There are many prosecutors evaluated as ‘excellent’, with sufficient maturity and expertise to serve in SPAK. I do not believe its work will collapse.”

SPAK chief Altin Dumani has previously called for the option to allow SPAK prosecutors to run for a new term after serving their current nine-year mandates.

Bogdani also said the selection process for a new director of the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) is expected to conclude by November 10, while a new head of SPAK is anticipated to be appointed in early December.

“This would allow a smooth handover before the current chief’s term ends on December 16,” she said.

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The vacancy was officially announced three months ahead of the end of the current mandate of SPAK Chief Altin Dumani, whose term expires on December 18, 2025.

“The head of SPAK is elected from among its prosecutors by a majority vote of the KLP members, for a non-renewable three-year term,” said Sokol Stojani, the reporting member during the Council’s session.

Stojani added that procedures must begin no later than three months before the incumbent’s term ends, in accordance with the law.

Eligible candidates – limited to current SPAK prosecutors – will have until October 8 to submit their applications and required documentation, including a strategic platform outlining their vision and relevant professional experience.

Altin Dumani, appointed on Dec. 16, 2022, is SPAK’s second chief after Arben Kraja.

Kraja became the first SPAK head in December 2019. Once he leaves the leadership post, Dumani will continue serving as a special prosecutor within SPAK until the end of his nine-year mandate.

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Mirela Bogdani was the only candidate to take over the chair of this institution of justice. While presenting the platform to the members of the Council, Bogdani revealed her ambition to increase the logistical capacities, to reform the judicial system and to promote cooperation with the international community.

The election of Bogdani follows the former head Alfred Balla leaving the justice system for 15 years, according to the decision taken by the Special Appellate College. Last week, the High Prosecutorial Council decided to approve Balla’s dismissal in compliance with the decision of the Special Appellate College.

During presentation of the platform, Bogdani said that the main goal of her work will be the continuation of work to strengthen and increase public trust in justice.

She also said that the justice reform is yielding results. For Bogdani, it is important that the path the new justice is on is irreversible, also as part of Albania’s path to EU integration./a.f/p.s./

During today’s meeting of the KLP, there was taken up for consideration the decision of the Special Appellate College to dismiss Alfred Balla from the justice system for a period of 15 years.

Following the discussions, the KLP decided with 9 votes in favor to terminate the mandate of Alfred Balla.

Alfred Balla’s dismissal from the justice system means that he cannot be appointed a judge or prosecutor of any level, a member of the High Prosecution Council or the High Judicial Council, a senior inspector of justice or the General Prosecutor for a period of 15 years./a.f/p.s./

Attending the event were Council members, legal advisers and experts from OPDAT and EURALIUS missions.

Head of the KLP Gent Ibrahimi thanked the OPDAT office and especially Michelle Lacomy, legal advisor at this mission, for the support in drafting the Code of Ethics of the Prosecutor.

The aim of this activity was to strengthen the capacities of the KLP, as, in this way, the Council aims to set the standards of ethics and rules of conduct for prosecutors.

During the discussions, it was emphasized that the Code of Ethics of the Prosecutor aims to guarantee the increase and strengthening of public confidence in the justice system and the administration of justice in accordance with the Constitution, internationally recognized human rights standards and the law./p.s./

With 10 votes in favor and 1 against, the Council decided to accept the request of the High Justice Inspector dated 15 January 2021 for the dismissal of magistrate B. M, acting prosecutor in the Prosecution at the Kruja Judicial District Court.

The argued decision in writing will be notified to the High Inspector of Justice and the subject B.M, within 5 (five) days from the date of announcement. An appeal against the decision is allowed according to the law, in the Special Appellate College at the Constitutional Court, while the deadline starts from the date of notification of the argued decision.

The decisions enter into force immediately and are published on the official website of the High Prosecution Council, as they can be appealed to the Administrative Court of Appeal, no later than 5 days from the day of notification of the decision./j.p/p.s./