After hearing SPAK's position on the rejection of defendant Jamarbër Malltezi's request to lift the seizure of his assets, the court withdrew to make a decision.
The Special Court of First Instance on Thursday, April 2, heard SPAK's position on the request of Jamarbër Malltezi to release his assets from the seizure. Malltezi is facing a trial on corruption charges related to the privatization of the former sports club, "Partizani", a charge he denies.
Prosecutor Enkeleda Millonai submitted that the court can express its opinion on this request for the lifting of the seizure of evidence only in the final decision on the case. Millonai concluded that the seizure is a security measure and added that an apartment continues to be used by Malltezi and Berisha themselves and has not caused them any harm. According to Millonai, the defendant Malltezi owns other properties and that he has not brought evidence to prove that he lacks the ability to pay. In conclusion, the prosecutor requested the dismissal of the request for the lifting of the seizure.
Malltezi and his defense attorneys, on the other hand, emphasized that the prolonged seizure of assets has an impact on the financial and family situation. Malltezi stated that they have submitted bank account statements, which show that they have zero lek. He requested the acceptance of the request for the lifting of the seizures, while prosecutor Millonai noted that the bank account balance does not indicate solvency.
The court adjourned to make a decision, which it said it would announce at the next session on April 7, at 3:00 PM.
Berisha and Malltezi are accused by SPAK of passive corruption. According to the prosecution, Jamarbër Malltezi has benefited from income of over 5 million euros from a construction business, thanks to government decisions made by his father-in-law.
In the same case, SPAK accuses construction businessman Fatmir Bektashi of active corruption, while Xhimi Begeja and Andia Pustina are accused of money laundering. The companies Studio Pustina sh.pk, Homeplan sh.pk and Kontakt sh.pk are also defendants in this case for money laundering charges.
At the request of SPAK, 25 assets were seized, including monetary amounts in six bank accounts, eight apartments, two basements, four units, as well as shares owned in several companies. /BIRN/
