Edi Rama welcomes court’s decision to ease security measures for Agricultural University officials
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded on X to the GJKKO ruling that eased security measures for members of the Agricultural University of Tirana (UBT), reducing pretrial restrictions for 20 of the 24 individuals under investigation.
Why is this important: The case has sparked controversy over pretrial detention practices, with critics arguing that excessive measures harm reputations and institutions. Rama has consistently pushed for a balance between anti-corruption efforts and safeguarding democratic legal standards. The ruling allows UBT’s strategic partnership with Austria’s BOKU University to proceed without further reputational damage.
Context: Rama emphasized that his government fully supports the justice system, while also defending the presumption of innocence. He stated that excessive security measures caused severe personal and institutional harm, impacting the university’s stability and international partnerships.
“These security measures turned the personal and family lives of potentially innocent individuals into a nightmare of injustice,” Rama wrote on X.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to fighting corruption, while calling on prosecutors and judges to uphold European legal standards.
“We want an uncompromising fight against corruption and merciless punishment for those who steal from the people. But we cannot compromise on the European democratic norms of justice,” he stated.
The SPAK investigation uncovered a tender manipulation scheme that they suspect involves high-ranking university officials, including two vice-rectors and the administrator. Just two days ago SPAK issued security measures against 24 officials, approximately half the academic staff, despite having no indictments.
Despite the ongoing probe, Rama stressed that UBT’s reputation and academic activities should not be held hostage, warning that excessive legal measures could erode public confidence in the judiciary.
What’s next: While Rama reaffirmed his government’s non-interference in judicial matters, his remarks signal continued scrutiny of SPAK’s approach to high-profile corruption cases. The Strasbourg Court’s recent ruling on unlawful detention has intensified debate over Albania’s pretrial detention policies.
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