Edi Rama insists Socialists are the only guarantee for SPAK’s future
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has again defended his party’s stance on the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK), arguing that the Socialist Party (SP) is the only political force that ensures the continuity of Albania’s anti-corruption structure. He acknowledged that U.S. legal experts from OPDAT had played an active role within SPAK, but noted their departure, which he implied signals a shift in Washington’s approach toward Albania’s justice reform.
Why is this important: Rama’s remarks come amid rising tensions between SPAK and the government, especially after the arrest of Tirana’s Mayor, Erion Veliaj. While the opposition has openly vowed to dismantle SPAK Rama maintains that his government will continue to defend SPAK’s existence despite criticizing some of its actions.
Context: Rama has repeatedly pointed out that human rights violations and due process issues have surfaced in various cases handled by SPAK. He has also accused the opposition of exploiting SPAK as part of a broader strategy to discredit the government and portray Albania as a state consumed by corruption. Rama argued that if the Socialists truly feared SPAK’s independence, they could easily join the opposition in dismantling it—something he insists will never happen.
What’s next: Despite ongoing political friction, Rama emphasized that Albania’s progress in EU accession negotiations contradicts the opposition’s narrative of widespread corruption. His latest statements suggest that his government will continue to challenge SPAK’s approach while still presenting itself as the only real defender of justice reform.
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Explosive courtroom audio exposes SPAK prosecutor’s insults and threats against Erion Veliaj
Published on February 25, 2025
Why is this important: What was yesterday a disputed claim by Erion Veliaj has now been confirmed beyond doubt: the lead SPAK prosecutor in one of Albania’s most high-profile corruption cases totally lost his composure, hurled insults at the defendant, and seemingly made personal threats. The audio evidence casts a serious shadow over the integrity of the entire SPAK prosecution team, the judge presiding over the case, and the KLP—all of whom appear complicit in attempting to cover up Dado’s misconduct rather than upholding justice.
Strasbourg ruling throws cold water on SPAK’s pre-trial detention practices
Published on February 25, 2025
Why is this important: The ruling is a direct challenge to SPAK’s approach, which has been increasingly scrutinized for keeping high-profile suspects behind bars for extended periods while investigations continue. In the case of Thoma Gëllçi, the ECHR determined that the grounds for his pre-trial detention were “unsubstantiated” and that SPAK failed to provide concrete evidence justifying his continued incarceration. The ruling could have serious implications for Veliaj, who is currently being held in similar circumstances. It also puts further pressure on SPAK at a time when it is already facing growing criticism from both the Albanian government and opposition.
University rector to appear before Socialist Parliamentary Group amid mass SPAK arrests
Published on February 25, 2025
Why is this important: SPAK’s latest operation targets 24 individuals from the university, with five placed in pretrial detention, ten under house arrest, and nine ordered to report to authorities. The charges center on alleged corruption and abuse of office, but Rama’s reaction signals a growing political rift with SPAK. By welcoming the dean before the parliamentary group, the Prime Minister is taking an unprecedented step in publicly scrutinizing an ongoing investigation, further intensifying the already volatile political climate ahead of the May 11 elections.