Përparim Rama questioned as a suspect over the “Capital Architect” project, Sveçla: The investigation must not stop here

Prishtina Mayor Përparim Rama appeared before the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo on Friday, where he was interviewed as a suspect in connection with investigations into the “Capital Architect” project.

Arbnora Luta, a spokesperson for the Special Prosecution, said that Rama is suspected of committing the criminal offense of “Abuse of official position or authority.” He arrived at the Prosecution’s Office at around 1:30 p.m., accompanied by his lawyer, Artan Qerkini, while the questioning lasted more than two hours. Proceedings in the capacity of a suspect take place during the investigation phase and do not constitute evidence that the person is guilty.

After the interview, Rama said that he had consistently expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Prosecution, both in this case and on other matters. According to him, it is the Prosecution’s responsibility to determine whether the actions were carried out in accordance with the law. “My work is the development of the capital,” he said.

Gëzim Sveçla, head of the Vetëvendosje Movement’s assembly group in the Prishtina Municipal Assembly, welcomed Rama’s appearance before the prosecuting authorities in a statement to “Bota sot.”

“In a democratic society, accountability and responsibility before the law are essential, while the rule of law must apply to everyone, without any exception,” he said.

Sveçla recalled that Vetëvendosje had opposed the project from the moment it was made public, both in the Municipal Assembly and in the media, as well as through criminal complaints submitted to the relevant institutions. He said that it had been clear from the outset that the project could create room for corruption and the misuse of the budget of Prishtina’s citizens.

He accused Rama’s administration of repeated violations of the law, a lack of transparency, nepotism and clientelism. According to him, the “Capital Architect” project is not the only matter requiring investigation, also citing what he described as the “legalization scandal” and the contract for “Smart” lighting.

“We are convinced that the ‘Capital Architect’ project is only one of the cases for which Përparim Rama will face criminal accountability,” Sveçla said. He added that if justice aims to uncover the alleged abuses in the Municipality of Prishtina over the past five years, this would mark the political end of Përparim Rama, but not only his.

The “Capital Architect Service” project, worth approximately 12 million euros, was initiated by the Municipality of Prishtina in 2022. Rama has described it as a service rather than the engagement of a single individual, involving many consultants from various fields, including infrastructure and regulations. In 2024, the KOHA media outlet reported that the Municipality of Prishtina had violated the Public Procurement Law from the early stages of tendering for this contract.