The trial in absentia of former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, currently on the run, continued in connection with the file known as "Buka", where he is accused of abuse of office.
In the next session, clashes were noted between Ahmetaj's defense and the SPAK prosecutor, while representatives of the Myderizi family, who were harmed by the criminal offense, were also present in the courtroom.
Ahmetaj's lawyer, Henrik Ligori, submitted a series of requests for evidence regarding the "Buka" sh.a. case, stating that he is authorized by his client to announce that Ahmetaj does not accept the accusation, declares himself innocent and describes the process as political.
The defense requested that Arben Ahmetaj be questioned via videoconference, that written evidence be administered, that technical and accounting experts be questioned, and that former Minister of Finance Shkëlqim Cani and other former officials of this ministry be called as witnesses.
Also, the administration of all legal acts related to "Buka" sh.a. was requested.
The court asked the SPAK prosecutor to explain what specific actions and inactions of Arben Ahmetaj constitute the criminal offense of abuse of office.
In response, SPAK prosecutor Elvin Gokaj emphasized that final court decisions have been filed in the file, which have given the Myderizi family the right.
He explained that Ahmetaj, through an order, himself appointed two experts, while the expert report contains contradictions.
According to the prosecutor, former ministers Nasip Naço and Florian Mima did not privatize the property in question, while Ahmetaj violated the Constitutional Court's decision, which has legal force.
On the other hand, the representative of the Myderizi family, Adrian Myderizi, accused the defense of attempting to confuse the case, emphasizing that it is a clear breach of duty.
"We won the trial with the Ministry of Economy with a final decision. We opposed the way the owners' shares were calculated: 1 square meter of land was calculated at 8 thousand old lek, while the market value is around 1 thousand euros. They only gave us 80 million old lek. Maneuvers were made to pave the way for theft. Ahmetaj did what no other minister did," declared Myderizi.
In conclusion, the court decided to postpone the hearing to January 27, to give the SPAK prosecutor time to express his opinion on the evidence and witnesses requested by Arben Ahmetaj's defense.