The Special Prosecution and Court have accused the State Police of ignoring requests from the Republican Guard to secure the outer perimeter of the courthouse from Erion Veliaj’s protesting supporters, endangering the lives and health of judges and prosecutors.
In two separate statements on Friday, the Special Prosecution and Court declared that the State Police had taken no action and had repeatedly ignored requests from Republican Guard officers to secure the courthouse perimeter from supporters of the arrested Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, on February 12, thus putting judges, prosecutors, and judicial administration staff at risk.
“This situation led to a scenario where, even after the court session ended and the verdict was announced, protesters surrounded and effectively isolated all judges and administrative staff, significantly compromising their safety and well-being,” the Special Court stated in its announcement.
The unprecedented incident occurred on Wednesday when Veliaj’s and the Socialist Party’s supporters gathered outside the Special Court early in the morning to protest the mayor’s arrest on charges of corruption and money laundering. After the session, protesters were filmed surrounding the judges’ and prosecutors’ vehicles while chanting “Shame!”
The Special Court and SPAK have requested explanations from the Ministry of Interior, the State Police, and other responsible institutions regarding the police’s failure to perform its duty to ensure order and security in the outer perimeter of these judicial institutions, despite continuous requests from the Republican Guard officers.
According to the two institutions, the police’s negligence created difficulties for judges and prosecutors in leaving the courthouse, as protesters reportedly hit vehicles and verbally abused judicial officials.
The State Police’s inaction in securing the court came after Prime Minister Edi Rama publicly defended Mayor Veliaj and strongly criticized Judge Erion Bani and SPAK.
When asked by BIRN about the State Police’s behavior, Prime Minister Rama’s press office declined to comment, suggesting that inquiries be directed to the relevant institutions. The Ministry of Interior and the State Police did not respond before this article was published, while the head of the Police Oversight Agency, Florian Sulejmani, stated that an inspection group would be formed once an official request was received.
The Special Court building is guarded and secured by the Republican Guard, but only within its internal perimeter. Regarding security in the outer areas, the Guard cooperates and coordinates with the State Police to protect judges, prosecutors, and designated institutions.