Opposition MP fined for slander against PM’s children

TIRANA, June 25 – Opposition Socialist Party MP Saimir Tahiri has lost his legal battle against Prime Minister Sali Berisha’s children whom he had publicly accused of corruption. A Tirana District Court decided this week to fine Tahiri 5 million lek ( Euro 35,000) for slander. The Prime Minister children, Argita Malltezi and Shkelzen Berisha had demanded a total of 8 million lek in compensation for moral damages.
Speaking after the decision, Tahiri said he would appeal the decision, describing it as unfair and infringing the right to speak up for all those who dare to denounce corruption and robbery.
“The decision was no surprise as long as the trial was politically dictated to that point that it left no hope to believe there could be any fair and impartial decision. I am afraid justice did not speak in this case, it was the Prime Minister’s children who spoke through the judge,” said Tahiri.
The Tirana District Court has also previously sentenced several other Socialist Party MPs for slander against ruling Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi. The Appeals Court has sent back several of the decision to be re-examined because of procedural violations.