FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The head of SPAK warns of serious risks that threaten institutional independence and the continuity of investigations into high-level corruption
During his report to the Laws Committee, SPAK head Altin Dumani spoke unequivocally about the serious challenges facing the institution he leads. In a strong statement, he highlighted the risk of external pressures from politics, the media and organized crime, which he said undermine the integrity of prosecutors and the constitutional functioning of SPAK.
"I wanted to emphasize the external pressure from political, media and organized crime actors, which endangers the institutional integrity and that of prosecutors. This requires a coordinated institutional response to protect the constitutional independence of SPAK," Dumani emphasized.
He also raised concerns about the lack of a clear legal framework on the status of prosecutors after the end of their mandate, which he said creates uncertainty and could disrupt sensitive ongoing investigations. The lack of legal advisors, insufficient analytical support and minimal referrals from public institutions for corruption cases are some of the other issues that were mentioned.
"There is an unjustified silence from many institutions that should be partners of justice. Referrals to corruption cases are minimal. This is a political and institutional problem," said Dumani.
He added that SPAK is awaiting the finalization of the electronic case management system, with the assistance of the EU, and stressed the necessity of establishing a special analysis unit to cope with complex investigations and fulfill international obligations.
At the end of his speech, Dumani recalled that in December SPAK turns 6 years old and that it is time to further strengthen the institution, not only in human and technical resources, but also with clear legal and political protection.
The problems listed by Dumani
-External pressure on SPAK from organized crime, political and media actors, which undermines its constitutional independence and effectiveness in investigations. External interference also jeopardizes the integrity of prosecutors and the investigative process. To guarantee the independence of SPAK, as well as support for prosecutors in sensitive cases, a more coordinated and timely response is needed from all institutions, which have the responsibility of protecting the integrity of SPAK.
- The continued lack of a clear legal definition regarding the status of special prosecutors after the end of their mandate. SPAK notes that this issue has not yet been addressed and emphasizes that the lack of a clear definition of this status could undermine the continued maintenance of high professional standards of investigation, required by the public, the Parliament, the Council of Ministers and international institutions. As highlighted in the SPAK annual report for 2023, the lack of a clear status for special prosecutors would also undermine the continuity of important investigations conducted by SPAK.
-Continued failure to address the allocation of legal advisors to the Special Prosecution Office. We repeatedly state that the lack of this human resource standard is a difficulty in the quality of the investigation and approach of SPAK in pursuing cases at all levels of trial and in the Constitutional Court.
-The low number of referrals from public institutions, including the State Police, regarding criminal offenses within the framework of corruption and organized crime still remains problematic.
-Completing the establishment of the Case Management System remains a priority for the Special Prosecution Office. The system has a modular design and the development/construction of the modules was completed in December 2024. Due to the completion of the ICITAP-supported project, this process is expected to be completed within 2025 with EU funds.
-The establishment of the SPAK analysis unit that will serve to support complex investigations remains a risk, and reporting on negotiations with Eurojust, Moneyval and reporting within the framework of various national strategies remains a challenge. We are collaborating with international experts to adapt a model according to the requirements and functioning of SPAK.
SPAKU të vazhdojë në rrugën e nisur. Iku koha e të fortit dhe të paprekëshmit.Ju lumtë për guximin, kurajob, vullnetin, forcën dhe profesionalizmin qe keni treguar.Jeni të vetmit që populli beson....