Arrest of former SHISH chief: EU expresses full confidence in SPAK investigation

The European Union has avoided direct comment on the Vlora Hyseni case, but Brussels has conveyed clear support for SPAK in investigating and prosecuting organized crime.

The issue was commented on by Guillaume Mercier, the European Commission spokesperson for enlargement, who was asked about the “house arrest” security measure imposed on the former head of SHISH. He stressed that the Commission does not take a position on cases that are still before the courts.

However, alongside its position of not commenting on the specific case, Mercier underlined that European institutions are closely monitoring developments related to the rule of law.

“We do not comment on cases that are ongoing, but what we can say is that we closely monitor developments related to the rule of law, particularly justice reforms and the fight against organized crime and corruption, areas in which Albania has made considerable progress,” Mercier declared.

The European Commission spokesperson also expressed support for the work of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime.

“We have full confidence in the ability of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, known as SPAK, to uncover, investigate and prosecute organized crime,” he said.

Thus, Brussels has expressed no assessment of Vlora Hyseni’s guilt or innocence, nor of the evidence included in the case file. Institutionally, the EU’s message concerns its support for SPAK and the continuation of the investigation.

Mercier said that communication between the European Union and the Albanian authorities is continuing.

“From a broader perspective, we are always in contact with our Albanian counterparts,” the EU spokesperson said.