This week, a total of 11 magistrates including four prosecutors and seven judges faced the vetting process at both the Independent Qualification Commission and the Special Appellate Panel.
On Monday, a reevaluation of Durres Prosecutor Enkeleda Osmani took place, under the supervision of Roland Ilia, Suela Zhegu, and Brunilda Bekteshi. The KPC found problems when it came to Osmani’s property where a large discrepancy was found between the declared income of her spouse and the income that had been paid up to the tax authorities. There was also a lack of declaration of vash income. Despite this, the KPC decided to confirm her as a Prosecutor.
Then on Tuesday, Gjirokastra Appellate Judge Irena Ibrahimi faced the vetting process. The KPC confirmed her into office on 21st July, despite suspicions of preferential treatment when buying an apartment and another unit in Gjirokaster.
On the same day, the KPC decided to dismiss the judge of the Tirana Court, Niko Rapi. The KPC raised suspicions of conflict of interest, due to a loan relationship between the judge and the company Bregu sh.pk. In terms of his reputation and wealth, Rapi did not have any issues.
On Wednesday, the KPC fired the judge of the Shkodra Court, Selim Kryeziu. The KPC found problems in the image and wealth of the judge. Three suspected bribery cases including a negative CISD report, lack of resources for assets and some non-disclosures were the main problems that the KPC found during the investigation of the judge.
On Thursday, the KPC decided to dismiss the Tirana Court of Appeals Judge Flutura Skënderi. The KPC found inaccuracies in the periodic annual statements of Judge Skënderi regarding revenues and expenditures over the years as well as financial inability to make the declared investments.
On the same day, the judge of the Tirana Administrative Appeal, Blerona Hasa, faced the vetting. KPC found problems with the judge’s property. According to the Commission, there is a discrepancy between the data reflected in the vetting statement by Judge Hasa and the documentation administered by the institutions for this property. The decision on her case will be given on July 27.
On Friday, the prosecutor of the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office, Anisa Qilimi, faced the vetting. The Commission found a negative balance in the amount of ALL 398,000. Meanwhile, in terms of reputation and professionalism, she was evaluated positively. The decision will be made on July 28.
On the same day, the KPC, with an unusual decision, decided to suspend the process for the head of the Court of Mat, Artan Çupi and send him to the School of Magistrates for one year. This is unusual as no legislation provides for the suspension of the process to send the individual back to school, instead they must complete vetting and then return.
On Friday, a hearing was held at the KPA for the head of the Appellate Prosecution, Dritan Peka. At the request of the Public Commissioner, the KPA will re-investigate the prosecutor on all three criteria.
The KPA decided to dismiss the case for Tirana Appeals Judge Tom Deda.
