Journalist Klodiana Lala has commented on the latest developments regarding the judicial process against Erion Veliaj, emphasizing that so far there has been no decision by the Constitutional Court regarding the security measure. Lala in a conversation for the 'Lunch Program' on News24 In front of Ola Bruko, he emphasized that Veliaj claims that he was ready to face the investigation and did not attempt to leave the country, so he argues that the measure against him violated his personal freedom.
On the other hand, according to her, the GJKKO argued that there was a risk of influencing the evidence and the investigation. She added that the eight members of the Constitutional Court have withdrawn to express themselves at a later stage with a decision regarding the case. According to Lala, the Constitutional Court may conclude that the security measure was proportional, but this would not automatically lead to Veliaj's release. If the opposite happens, then the mayor would have the opportunity to pursue other legal avenues.
The journalist emphasized that an important moment is expected to be May 28, when the Supreme Court will review the appeal for the security measure.
According to Lala, if the Supreme Court's decision were to be in Veliaj's favor, it could serve him well in a possible trial at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. She also noted that the trial is expected to be lengthy, with witness hearings and debate on evidence.
Regarding Veliaj's request for an open trial and live broadcast of the hearings, Lala said that this has not been accepted by the other defendants in the trial. "There was no decision today by the Constitutional Court. Veliaj claims that he was open to the investigation and there were no attempts to remove him from the country. Therefore, he claims that his freedom was violated. But the Constitutional Court claimed that he could jeopardize the evidence. The Constitutional Court is not going to release Veliaj, as it deals with the constitutionality of the law. The 8 members have withdrawn so that at a second moment there will be a decision regarding the case in question. The Constitutional Court can say that; the measure was proportional, but this does not lead to Veliaj's release. But if it is overturned, he has other ways to pursue this issue. He has another recourse for the measure, in the High Court, where a hearing has been scheduled for May 28. For the first time, we will have a decision from the High Court, a decision that could have an impact on future decisions. If the decision were in Veliaj's favor, it could serve him to take the case to Strasbourg, for example. He has a process long. Witnesses will be heard and evidence will be debated. Veliaj has requested an open trial, to be broadcast live, but the other defendants do not accept this. There should not be a glass cage, if you ask me as a lawyer, but if you ask me as a journalist, those bars and now glass have been there, and today when politics was touched there is a reaction. It is of interest; did Veliaj commit corruption? That is the issue," she said.
When asked if the decisions that the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court will give will affect each other, Lala replied: "It depends, since the Supreme Court is the third instance of the judiciary. They will have to give their decision on May 28. I think the CC will not have given its decision by then. The CC's decision is like a bonus if Veliaj is right, to take him to the Court of Human Rights."
Among other things, the journalist made a strong statement regarding former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, stating that the criminal charges against her could be aggravated.
"Mr. Berisha is not appearing in person at the trial, but only his son-in-law and his lawyers. Regarding Meta, we have a new trial team. Regarding Mrs. Balluku, we had a question yesterday from Agron Tare, who gave evidence in SPAK about Balluku's assets. Two summonses have also been issued for former footballer Igli Tare, who has not yet responded to SPAK's interest. The first summons was returned after his address was not found, the second one has not yet received a response. Regarding the cell phones that were seized in the last checks, the court's decision is awaited on whether or not their inspection will be allowed. But this issue takes a long time. I think that against Mrs. Balluku and other persons, there may be an escalation of the criminal charges," Lala added.
