Prosecutors demand 4.6 year prison term for former mayor of Dibra
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Former Dibra Mayor Shukri Xhelili
TIRANA, Dec. 22 - Serious crimes prosecutors have demanded 4.6 years in prison for ousted Dibra Mayor Shukri Xhelili on claims of “seeking sexual favors in exchange for a job” and “corruption.”
In May 2016, the mayor of Dibra was involved in a sexual scandal as he was caught on tape asking sex from a 20 year old woman in return for a job. The video showed Xhelili asking sexual favors in his office in the Peshkopia municipality building and then taking her in his car to a hotel in Tirana, where the young woman managed to escape just as he was undressing.
The 56-year-old representing the ruling Socialist Party, was immediately dismissed by the government after the sex tape was aired on Ora News TV.
U.S. Ambassador to Tirana Donald Lu described his wrongdoing as a “terrible and outrageous crime.”
The former mayor has already undergone a speedy trial process and if the court rules against him, 1/3rd of his sentence will be reduced immediately.
Xhelili has been replaced by Muharrem Rama who won the Sept. 11 mayoral elections. The Dibra mayoral race was perceived as a key test for the ruling majority and the opposition as well. Despite Xhelili's conduct, his party managed to win the elections again amid allegations of vote buying and the involvement of criminal elements for intimidation of voters, according the opposition Democratic Party.
