Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has launched a SCATHING attack on the country’s Special Prosecution Office, accusing it of political bias following the SHOCK arrest of Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj.
Rama, who had previously vowed not to interfere in legal cases, took a NEW stance, blasting prosecutors for what he called “blatant violations” of justice. He warned that his party would not stay silent and promised to make judicial STANDARDS a top priority if re-elected.
“This is becoming a republic of prosecutors,” Rama raged during a Socialist Party meeting. “We want a war on corruption, but we won’t accept ABUSE of power in the name of justice.”
Despite his claims, the prosecution office enjoys the HIGHEST public trust, and its crackdown on corruption has been praised by Transparency International. However, Veliaj’s arrest appears to have CHANGED the government’s tone.
Rama insisted the case against the mayor lacked EVIDENCE, branding the 400-page investigation a mere “story” with no solid proof. He even slammed the decision to keep Veliaj behind bars, calling it ARBITRARY.
The row has triggered strong reactions from the EU and Albania’s top judicial councils, who DEFENDED the independence of prosecutors and judges, warning against political interference.
As Veliaj awaits his fate, Rama’s ATTACKS on the judiciary signal a tense battle ahead – with justice and politics COLLIDING in the heart of Albania’s leadership.
