Prosecutors indict three MPs

Two MPs are accused of punching a fellow MP from the opposition, one is accused of building without a permit
Video footage from the parliament’s close circuit television cameras clearly shows at least one of the accused MPs punching the other.
TIRANA, Sept. 24 – Two lawmakers from the ruling Socialist Party have been indicted for allegedly punching an opposition counterpart inside the parliament building earlier this year, according to prosecutor general’s press office.
Arben Ndoka and Pjerin Ndreu have been accused of violence they have exercised on an opposition lawmaker, Gent Strazimiri, of the main opposition Democratic Party. The alleged incident happened in July, and video from the parliament’s close circuit television cameras clearly shows at least one of the accused MPs punching the other.
Ndoka told local media he would let the justice take its course, but did not say whether he accepted fault. Ndreu, a former top police officer, indicated in the local media that he considered himself innocent and the charges as political.
Strazimiri’ case was used by the opposition Democrats as a reason to boycott parliament for months, a boycott that is ongoing.
Strazimiri was allegedly punched outside the main hall of the parliament after exchanging accusations inside. The two may be sentenced with up to three years imprisonment if proved guilty.
A third lawmaker, Astrit Veliaj of the opposition Democratic Party is accused of illegal construction and of property destruction.
Veliaj, who owns a private university, was indicted following a complaint from a citizen in the western city of Fier who claims that Veliaj has illegally built on her property. The Fier city hall says they have not approved any construction license to Veliaj to build his new university building at that location.