The Court of Appeals has upheld the decision on sequestrering the assets of Ora News Owner Ylli Ndroqi. A representative of the US Embassy was present at the hearing.
Ndroqi’s assets were seized last month after he was accused of being convicted abroad for drug trafficking under another identity. SPAK ordered the sequestration of property, vehicles, and businesses, including the two television stations that he owns.
His lawyer said that Ndroqi has never been convicted of a crime in Italy. He added that His assets are all legal and that they have demonstrated that the majority are funded by banks and commercial activity, not the proceeds of crime.
“It’s 100% legal property with no dubious source of money,” he said.
On August 7, Ndroqi’s lawyers appealed the decision of SPAK to seize his assets.
According to authorities, the prosecution had been investigating Ndroqi for 18 months and was carried out with the cooperation of police in other countries. Seized assets include 11 companies, 12 properties, and two cars.
The seizure of RTV Ora by armed special forces police officers caused concern amongst journalists and various local and international watchdogs. Using such force on the premises of a media station was deemed as excessive and sending a chilling message to any journalists or media that is critical of the government.
