The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has officially commenced investigations into the January 21, 2011 killing of four innocent protestors.

Why is this relevant

Following a directive from the Supreme Court that the Special Prosecutor’s Office should resume the investigation, SPAK announced on July 15 that it has registered a criminal proceeding for three suspected offenses. According to the reasoned decision of the Supreme Court, SPAK is obliged to clarify the responsibilities of Sali Berisha, who was the prime minister at the time, Lulzim Basha, the interior minister, and Ndrea Prendi, the head of the Republican Guard, for the killing of four innocent people during the opposition protest.

Context

The reopening of the investigation was requested by the family of Aleks Nika, one of the victims of the protest against the government of Sali Berisha and his ally Ilir Meta, on January 21, 2011. For over a decade, Nika’s family has been seeking justice for their son’s killing. Now, SPAK is expected to uncover the truth about that event and the role of the highest state officials. The criminal proceedings have been registered for the murder of Nika and the injury of three other protesters, Artes Dybeli, Ilia Qesko, and Ilia Papa.

These offenses, allegedly committed by former high-ranking state officials, include “Murder under other qualifying circumstances,” committed in cooperation, against two or more persons and in a manner dangerous to the lives of many people, “Abuse of office,” committed in cooperation, and “Actions that prevent the discovery of the truth,” committed in cooperation.

Meanwhile, when asked about this development at SPAK, former Interior Minister Lulzim Basha, until recently Sali Berisha’s rival for the leadership of  the Democratic Party, expressed his openness to any investigation.

“Let them investigate everything, impartially. I have been and remain at the disposal of any act of justice to fully clarify and deliver justice for January 21,” said Lulzim Basha.