From: Exit News
US Embassy Slams Media Campaign against Seizure of TV Channels, Strongly Supports Police and Prosecution

The US Embassy in Albania has slammed the “expensive campaigns” behind “important cases” reviewed by the reformed justice institutions, that attempt to “deny the truth” and “escape justice”.

The statements come after the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crimes Prosecution (SPAK) and the Albanian State Police (ASP) seized assets of Ylli Ndroqi, owner of two TV channels (Ora RTV and Ora News), due to suspicions that his revenues derived from drug trafficking.

The US Embassy and Ambassador Yuri Kim tweeted in strong support of the SPAK and ASP. 

“Let’s be clear: this is about punishing known criminals – nothing more, nothing less,” Ambassador Kim stated.

While they didn’t mention Ylli Ndroqi’s name, his case and reactions in some of the media seem to be the push for the statements. 

“The U.S. Embassy strongly supports the ASP and SPAK’s independent and professional work. Justice sector professionals – police, prosecutors, and judges – must be allowed to conduct their work free from threats and intimidation, no matter who the defendant is.

It is time to allow them to carry out their duties and support their efforts to combat organized crime. This is the only way for Albanians to get the professional and impartial justice system they deserve and to make progress towards EU integration,” the US Embassy tweeted.

“Important cases are often accompanied by expensive campaigns to sow doubt & confusion, to buy influence, to deny the truth, to escape justice. Let’s be clear: this is about punishing known criminals – nothing more, nothing less. We strongly support SPAK and ASP,” Ambassador Kim stated.