Civil society organizations in Albania have been urged to play a more active role in the country’s ongoing fight against corruption, particularly in the judiciary. This call was made during a recent conference organized by the Albanian Helsinki Committee, ALTRI Center, and Friends of Europe. The event, titled The Contribution of Civil Society to Joint Justice and the Fight Against Corruption, highlighted the importance of public sector accountability and transparency.
Altin Dumani, head of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), emphasized the need for civil society to collaborate with anti-corruption agencies. Speaking at the event, Dumani invited organizations to share information on specific cases, provided it does not compromise investigative secrecy. “We are open to cooperation with civil society on certain topics,” Dumani stated, underlining that SPAK has been transparent in sharing all non-sensitive information.
The conference also provided key updates on SPAK’s ongoing work, with Dumani reporting positive results in tackling corruption. “We have prosecuted judges, prosecutors, and police officers for passive corruption,” he said. SPAK has also implemented anti-mafia laws against corrupt actors within the judicial system.
While the agency has seen progress, Dumani expressed concern about individuals who have passed the vetting process but continue to serve in influential judicial positions. “Our focus is on those still in the system, who may be prone to corruption,” he explained, reiterating SPAK’s commitment to pursuing criminal cases when necessary.
The call for greater civil society involvement reflects a growing recognition that combating corruption in Albania requires a united effort across all sectors. With the EU and the United States closely monitoring the country’s reforms, strengthening transparency and accountability remains crucial.
