Petri Bozo Released from Pretrial Detention as Court of Appeal Changes Security Measure to House Arrest

The Tirana Court of Appeal has changed the security measure imposed on producer Petri Bozo, replacing detention in custody with house arrest and ordering his immediate release from pretrial detention.

The appellate court’s decision follows an earlier request by Bozo’s defense team to replace the security measure. The request was initially reviewed by the Elbasan Court, which rejected it and upheld the detention order, Top Channel correspondent Bruna Kërçyku reports.

Following an appeal, the case was referred to the Tirana Court of Appeal, which assessed the defense’s request differently and imposed a more lenient security measure.

Petri Bozo had been placed in detention by the Elbasan Court after it reviewed the prosecution’s request. Prosecutors had presented the court with the evidence and arguments supporting their request for the most severe security measure.

The prosecution’s request was granted by the Elbasan Court, and the producer remained in pretrial detention for several weeks.

When the security measure was imposed, Bozo’s defense lawyers challenged the decision and requested that a more lenient measure be applied. However, the judicial panel in Elbasan ruled that he should remain in custody.

The decision now issued by the Court of Appeal changes the producer’s legal situation, as he will continue to serve the security measure under house arrest.

Under the appellate court’s decision, detention in custody has been replaced with house arrest, while Petri Bozo’s immediate release from pretrial detention has been ordered.

The criminal case against him remains under review, and the change in the security measure does not constitute a final ruling on the defendant’s guilt or innocence.