Albanian High Court rejects Democrat MP’s request to suspend prison sentence
Photo: Ervin Salianji
The Albanian High Court has rejected a request from Democratic Party (DP) MP Ervin Salianji to suspend the execution of his one-year prison sentence. On Tuesday, the Court, upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals, confirming Salianji’s sentence.
Why is it important: Salianji’s conviction stems from his role in a controversial case from 2018, where he accused the brother of former Interior Minister Fatmir Xhafaj, of involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy. The case drew widespread attention in Albania, as it involved allegations of political protection for criminals. However, investigations by the Prosecution revealed that the evidence had been fabricated with Salianji playing a key role in the affair. The High Court’s decision signals a continuation of Salianji’s legal struggles and further solidifies the judiciary’s stance on the case.
Context: Salianji is currently serving his sentence at the Fier Detention Facility. In 2018, he publicly denounced the brother of the then Minister of Interior of being involved in drug trafficking between Albania and Italy. He then released an audio recording as supposed evidence.
However, investigations into the case by the Prosecution revealed that the evidence was fabricated and the recording staged. The Tirana Court of First Instance sentenced four defendants, including Salianji, in 2019 for false reporting. The decision was confirmed by the Court of Appeals at the end of September leading to the October 7 protest by the Democratic Party.
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