According to the media, during the session the defendants contested the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Businessman Ilir Rrapaj has denied the accusations made by the prosecution but has acknowledged knowing former Minister of Health Ilir Beqaj.

The eight defendants ultimately requested the dismissal of the case or its referral back for further investigation by SPAK after heated debates between the parties.

“However, if the court decides to proceed with the trial, the defendants have requested to be judged under the abbreviated trial procedure.”

The only one who requested a full trial is the former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj.

SPAK stated that if trial procedure is abbreviated for all defendants, they would then suggest splitting the case, meaning that former Minister Beqaj would be tried separately from the other eight defendants.

Meanwhile, the Special Prosecution has reiterated its requests for the case to be referred for trial, as they believe there is sufficient evidence to support the charges.

The Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) will announce its decision on these requests on December 29 at 9:30 AM. The court took time to review all the claims raised by the parties during the hearings, as well as the evidence presented by the Special Prosecution for this case.

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