Supreme court upholds conviction of ex-mayor

TIRANA, Sep 25 (TemA) — Albania’s Supreme Court rejected the appeal of former Kukës mayor Safet Gjici, leaving in place his convictions for abuse of office and passive corruption.

The case stemmed from a leaked video showing a sexual encounter with Alma Kaçi inside the mayor’s office, which prosecutors said constituted misuse of office.

On June 24, 2024, the Special Appeals Court sentenced him to four years and six months. His sentence was reduced by three years under a shortened-trial procedure.

Gjici left prison on May 19 for health reasons and is serving the remaining six months under house arrest after 23 months in custody.

Kaçi received one year and six months for active corruption.