US dissapointed by release of former interior minister

US ambassador, Yuri Kim has reacted following the release from prison of former interior minister, Saimir Tahiri by expressing her disappointment.

In a message posted on social media, the US diplomat said the old ways being used by the Albanian justice system are not appropriate for a NATO ally and EU aspirant.

“Very disappointing to see that the old ways of impunity & privilege for some persist in the Albanian justice system. These old ways are not appropriate for a NATO Ally & EU aspirant, and they must be firmly rejected. US considers corruption to be a core national security threat. Those engaged in giving or accepting threats & inducements - for example, to help powerful friends - should understand that their actions will have consequences,” the ambassador wrote on Twitter.

Former interior minister, Saimir Tahiri has been released from prison and he will continue to serve his sentence under house arrest. This was the decision announced by the District Court of Elbasan.

Tahiri was given prison sentence and a few months ago he filed a request with the Court of Elbasan, in which he asked that the time spent in custody be considered as prison time.

Saimir Tahiri  served as the Minister of Interior Affairs in the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama from 2013 to 2017.

In 2019 he was sentenced to 5 years in prison, reduced to 3 years and 4 months due to the abbreviated trial on charges of abuse of office. He was suspected as involved in organized crime and of helping his cousins in international drug smuggling while serving as Minister of Interiors.