Basha at the Prosecution, It reveals information on DP’s lobbying agreements

Basha at the Prosecution, It reveals information on DP’s lobbying

Although he refused to appear last Thursday, Democratic Party chair Lulzim Basha has positively responded today to the Prosecution's call to provide clarifications regarding the Democratic Party's campaign funding.

After spending more than an hour at the office of Prosecutor Gjergji Tako, Basha stated that he was called to appear at the Prosecution Office in the capacity as a person aware of the circumstances which are being investigated.

According to him, the case commenced based on a request by the Democratic Party regarding the forms submitted to the Central Election Commission.

He also asked the prosecution to publish the official response letters which have been provided by the United States of America and Scotland. 

“The responses from the United State and Britain were received more than six months ago. The letters prove that the Democratic Party has not violated any law, nor have any of its leaders. 

“I urge the prosecution to publish the responses from the US and Britain,” said Basha.

Also called to give evidence for the lobbying investigation was the Secretary General of the Democratic Party, Gazmend Bardhi, who stated that he held the same position as DP chair, Basha.

Furthermore, the DP's CFO, Ilir Dervishi, and former Secretary General, Arben Ristani, were also required to appear to give evidence regarding the investigations. 

When speaking about this issue, Lulzim Basha declared that the real reason behind the Democratic Party officials being called to the Prosecution was that it was part of Edi Rama's political agenda. 

This caused a reaction from the Prosecution office of Tirana, who gave a media statement declaring that the entire investigation is based on evidence from the United States and Scotland which suggest that the Democratic Party failed to report the funding amounts accurately, declaring that campaign funding was received to the value of just US$25,000, when in fact it was actually US$650,000. 


According to the prosecution, the documents clearly prove the payments were made to this value and yet were not declared accordingly. 

The official statement to the media even went on to assert that the Democratic Party had violated the law through the non-declaration of these received payments. 

The Prosecution body further explains that the payment was sent specifically by a foreign company known as Biniatta Trade. 

The District Prosecution Office in Tirana concluded their statement by saying that they guarantee an objective and unbiased investigation into this matter, based on evidence and law, while promising to remain unaffected by any media statements.

EMISIONET