Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu, has reacted after reports that during a meeting with the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, in Fier prison, he had conveyed a threatening message to the latter on behalf of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Gogu confirmed that the meeting took place on Friday, but categorically denied the allegations about the content of the conversation. According to him, the visit was carried out in the exercise of institutional responsibilities, with the aim of verifying Veliaj's treatment conditions and listening to complaints raised publicly by his lawyer.
The Minister emphasized that he has an early friendship with Veliaj, while expressing regret for the information published in the media, which he considers untrue.
"I can't find the reasons why those untruths were fabricated and I don't want to believe that Erioni said or wrote them. Anyone who knows me knows that there is no chance, in this world or the next, that I would utter the 'messages' that have been put in my mouth. I am truly surprised," declared Gogu.
Explaining the motives for the visit, the head of the Ministry of Justice stated that he had gone to listen to Veliaj's concerns, at a time when allegations had been raised in the media regarding his treatment in the penitentiary institution.
Gogu stressed that the circumstances of the meeting are documented and verifiable, insisting that he did not convey any of the messages attributed to him.
