GJKKO appeal court overturns fine against Agron Shehaj in case with Adriatik Lapaj

The Special Court of Appeal has partially amended the first-instance ruling in the judicial process between Agron Shehaj, leader of the Mundësia Party, and Adriatik Lapaj, head of “Shqipëria Bëhet”.

With its decision of October 1, 2026, the GJKKO Appeal Court declared Shehaj not guilty also on the charge of “Insult”, overturning the fine of 300,000 lekë imposed by the Special Court of First Instance.

Meanwhile, the panel upheld Shehaj’s acquittal on the criminal offense of “Defamation”, as previously decided by the First Instance Court.

The proceedings had begun following a criminal complaint filed by Adriatik Lapaj on April 1, 2025, concerning several public statements made by Agron Shehaj. Lapaj had accused the Mundësia Party leader of insult and defamation.

In its decision of January 21, 2026, the Special Court of First Instance had acquitted Shehaj of defamation, while finding him guilty of insult and sentencing him to a fine of 300,000 lekë.

The dispute between the parties related to Shehaj’s statements about Lapaj’s professional ties with the company “Merkaj 3 sh.p.k.”. Shehaj had publicly claimed that Lapaj had received payments from this company, which had been seized by SPAK as part of an investigation.

Adriatik Lapaj had denied these claims, clarifying that he had not received the payments of which he was accused and that the amounts mentioned related to obligations for legal services he had provided in his capacity as a lawyer.

Following the Appeal Court’s decision, Agron Shehaj will not pay the 300,000 lekë fine for insult, while his acquittal on the defamation charge remains in force.