As the justice reform process continues in Albania, the Independent Qualification Commission (KPK) continues with the vetting of judges and prosecutors.
This week the vetting commission dismissed one judge, and confirmed in office one judge and one prosecutor.
During these two weeks there have been clashes and accusations of abuse of office between the parties for not reviewing all evidence submitted during the vetting process and allegations of blackmailing KPK members.
On Tuesday, the KPK confirmed in office prosecutor Arenc Çela of the General Prosecutor’s Office, after reviewing the documentation and conducting a hearing.
On Thursday KPK dismissed judge Bari Shyti of the Tirana Administrative Court of Appeal. He failed in all three components of the vetting process: assessments of assets, background, and proficiency.
On Thursday, the vetting commission confirmed in office judge Marsela Dervishi of the Fier District Court.
This Friday the Qualification Commission postponed the decision for the Chief Prosecutor of Tirana, Elizabeta Imeraj. The decision postponed came after a hearing session of more than 8 hours held on Thursday, in which international observer Theo Jacobs raised serious doubts on Imeraj’s background which she rebutted.
The High Prosecution Council appointed Elizabeta Imeraj and Kreshnik Ajazi to head the Tirana and Elbasan Prosecutor’s Offices.
One week ago, the vetting commission dismissed prosecutor Rita Gjati of Kukes district. Gjati filed a criminal report against KPK members for abuse of office, for not reviewing all evidence submitted by her during the vetting process.
It also dismissed judge Olsi Xhavella of the Korça Court of Appeal, due to issues found with his assets and proficiency.
The vetting commission confirmed in office judge Irida Kacerja of Shkodra, a candidate for the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime.
It confirmed Marsela Pepi, Commander Inspector in the Office of the High Inspector of Justice.
The vetting commision confirmed its decision on Bilbil Mete, prosecutor in the General Prosecutor’s Office, excluding him from the justice system for 15 years.
The Special Appellate Panel ultimately expelled former Serious Crimes Appeals Judge Idriz Mulkurti from the justice system.
The Independent Qualification Commission also concluded that the Tirana Appellate Judge, Shkëlqim Mustafa has hidden the property, has made a false declaration and there is a lack of legal sources for the declared property.
