The meeting of the Mandates Council is continuing amid strong debates over SPAK's request to authorize the arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.
During the discussions, Taulant Balla responded to the opposition by calling its position unclear: "It is incomprehensible and ridiculous that the DP opposes the prosecutor's request for development behind closed doors, accepting only part of the same request; woe to Albania for this opposition."
On the other hand, Balluk's lawyers – Pamela Qirko and Ardian Kalija – requested that SPAK's request be dismissed. According to the defense, the prosecution must prove the risk of evidence destruction or departure from the country.
"The prosecution has the obligation to prove the conditions under which Ms. Balluku is attempting to leave the country. She has complied with the measure, has not shown up for duty and has submitted her personal documents. We request the dismissal of the request," stated lawyer Kalija.
The leader of the DP group, Gazment Bardhi, also intervened in the debate, asking the prosecutors whether the request for arrest had a political motive. The prosecutors responded that the request was based on evidence and had nothing to do with political motives. Balluk's defense also admitted that there was no indication of political motivation.
At the meeting of the SP parliamentary group on February 16, Prime Minister Edi Rama had explained that "parliament will first express its opinion on immunity, then on legal changes." The lifting of immunity would pave the way for any arrest measure, while for other measures such as compulsory reporting or passport blocking, SPAK does not need authorization from the Assembly.
The report of the Mandates Council is expected to be passed into a plenary session for a vote. Balluku has been charged with violating equality in tenders for the Llogara Tunnel and is also under investigation for the 7 lots of the Big Ring Road.
