The appeal case of the Emiliano Shullazi ‘gang’ has been postponed for the 40th time, today.
The case has been in court since 2018 when the defendants Emiliano Shullazi, Blerim. Shullazi, Gilmand Dani, Endri Qyqja and Endrit Zela were sentenced to a combined 55 years in prison. Emiliano received a sentence of 14 years. They were found guilty of being in a structured criminal group, destruction of property with explosives, taking property under threat, and violence against businessmen Ylvi Beqja, Jani Zaka, and Adriatik Kercuku.
They lodged an appeal in January 2019 and the individuals have remained in custody. The appeal process has been postponed continuously with today marking the 40th time.
In September 2019, the prosecution withdrew charges of money laundering for lack of evidence.
Under Albanian law, there is no limit to how many times a case can be postponed. There is however a time limit of one year in place, after which a decision must be made by the judge. This time is not counted during periods where the case is suspended for legal reasons or postponed due to request of involved parties.
