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Recent developments in the justice system in Albania have brought back into the spotlight debates on the independence of the judiciary and the fight against corruption at the highest levels.

The announced meeting of the Joint Panels of the Supreme Court on April 9, to review issues related to the security measure "prison arrest", has been accompanied by concerns and political reactions, due to the potential impact it could have on sensitive issues in the process.

At a time when several senior and former officials are under investigation or in detention for serious charges, including corruption and abuse of office, this initiative has been seen as a delicate moment for justice in the country.

The letter sent by the chairman of the DP parliamentary group, Gazment Bardhi, raises questions about the legal basis of this initiative and warns of the impact that a new interpretation of the security measure could have on public trust and on Albania's European integration process.

FULL LETTER SENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, GAZMENT BARDHI

Through this letter, we would like to express our concern regarding recent developments in the justice system in Albania, in particular the meeting of the Joint Colleges of the Supreme Court on April 9, to review issues related to the security measure “prison arrest” (detention). This represents a personal initiative of President Sokol Sadushi, without a legal justification on its basis.

The move comes at a sensitive time for the fight against corruption in the country, where a number of senior and former officials are currently under investigation or subject to security measures on serious charges, including corruption and abuse of office. Currently, the only senior official in office in prison is the Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj. The decision could also affect several high-profile organized crime figures currently in custody.

At the same time, recent public statements by senior representatives of the executive branch, including the Prime Minister, have expressed criticism of the use of “prison arrest” and the broader practice of pre-trial detention. These statements have raised additional concerns regarding the possible perception of influence or pressure on justice institutions at such a sensitive time.

There is a reasonable public concern that a new or more lenient interpretation of this security measure could lead to changes in the status of detained persons, including high-profile political and organized crime figures. Such a development could significantly affect public confidence in the independence of the judiciary and the seriousness of efforts to combat corruption at the highest levels.

The fight against corruption and holding senior officials accountable are essential pillars for Albania’s integration process into the European Union. Any effort that undermines the fight against corruption, the work of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK), or the proper prosecution and punishment of senior political figures also risks undermining the country’s path to European integration.

In this context, we kindly call on you to * Closely monitor the process and decision-making of the Joint Colleges of the Supreme Court; • Encourage transparency and respect for international standards of the rule of law; • Support Albanian institutions in guaranteeing an impartial, independent and consistent justice system.

Public trust in the justice system is a key element for Albania's democratic stability and European integration. For this reason, any decision with far-reaching implications must be based on strong legal principles and protected from any perception of political influence.

We thank you for your attention and continued commitment to strengthening the rule of law in Albania.

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