TIRANA, May 28 – In an interview for regional media, US Ambassador Donald Lu said there have been “serious” reports on pressure and bribes prior to the appeal hearing that will determine former Minister of Interior Saimir Tahiri’s security measure on drug trafficking and high-rank corruption charges.
According to Lu, the country’s civil society and journalists should pay more attention on the developing case.
He added the decision on this case should be taken based on evidence and the law, instead of threats or money.
“We call on civil society and the media to mindfully observe this case, so that the decision is based on evidence and the law instead of pressure, threats and money,” Lu told Balkanweb.
Meanwhile, local media reported that Tahiri has not been reachable by phone, while his lawyer Maks Haxhia said he does not believe these are Lu’s words.
However, this is not the first time Lu has made his opinions on alleged corrupt politicians and high-rank state representatives public. He has also advocated complete investigation and punishment, if necessary, of all those he has called “the big fish.”
Earlier this month, Lu greeted Tahiri’s decision to give up his parliamentary immunity and called for justice to investigate his case, rather than the political class.
After resigning his MP immunity, the Serious Crimes Prosecution requested that Tahiri be remanded in custody as he is accused of drug trafficking as part of the Habilaj band, arrested and charged in Italy.
While the court decided to keep Tahiri under house arrest, both sides have appealed the case, which will be reviewed on Monday, May 28.
