Four individuals found guilty by GJKKO for electoral corruption, three avoid prison

The Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime has issued its verdict for four defendants charged with electoral crimes, after the case was processed through the abbreviated trial procedure.

The trial panel, composed of judges Marinela Osmani, Elteva Deda, and Bib Ndreca, found Ndoc Gurin, Arben Kolaj, Ndrekë Lera, and Ilir Sokoli guilty on charges related to electoral corruption.

Ndoc Gurin was sentenced to 2 years in prison for active and passive corruption in elections. As a result of the abbreviated trial, the sentence was reduced to 1 year and 4 months in prison, but its execution was suspended and the defendant was placed under supervision for a probationary period of 2 years and 8 months.

Arben Kolaj received the same penal treatment. Initially sentenced for active and passive corruption in elections, after benefiting from the abbreviated trial, the final sentence amounted to 1 year and 4 months in prison, while its execution was suspended and he was placed on probation for 2 years and 8 months.

Ndrekë Lera was declared guilty of active corruption in elections, committed in cooperation. The court initially handed down 3 years of imprisonment, but after the sentence reduction due to the abbreviated procedure, the final measure became 2 years of imprisonment. For him as well, the execution was suspended and he was put on probation for a 4-year term.

The case of Ilir Sokoli resulted in a different resolution. He was found guilty of active corruption in elections, also committed in cooperation, and was ultimately sentenced to 1 year in prison. However, the court decided to suspend the prison execution and replace it with 120 hours of community service, to be completed within six months from the moment the decision becomes final.

In conclusion, the court ordered the seized items to be returned to their lawful owners and charged all four defendants with bearing the court costs jointly.

This decision can be appealed to the Special Court of Appeal against Corruption and Organized Crime within 15 days of being notified.