Trial over the “Partizani” case / Former minister Pango: I have to rack my brain to remember, 18 years have passed

Today, the trial in the “Partizani” case was held, with former Sports Minister Ylli Pango appearing as a witness. Meanwhile, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha did not appear at today’s hearing.

During his testimony, Pango said that this story dates back 18 years and that it is difficult to remember a document or a law. He said he does not remember exactly, as he has worked in four sectors.

Discussion in the courtroom:

SPAK begins questioning: Please clarify during what period you served as Minister of Culture.

Pango: From March 2007-2009. This story dates back 18 years. It is very difficult to remember a document, a law, unless there is a major reason to remember it. Some documents published in the media have refreshed my memory. I do not remember exactly, because I have worked in 4 sectors. I may remember a law that I myself initiated, while here I know this: it is said that a good part of the club was occupied by individuals at that time.

Pango: I grew up in that neighborhood, and I know that the swimming pool was not functioning either.

SPAK: Were or were not these territories registered as property of the Ministry of Culture?

Pango: I do not remember.

SPAK: You just admitted that now you know that part of it was occupied. Did you make any effort to take it under administration as Minister of Culture?

Pango: I do not remember, it was 18 years ago.

Pango: To be honest, nothing concerned me at that time that any sports field was being encroached upon. As far as the Ministry of Culture’s authority was concerned, sport was under the care of the federations. They were much more independent.

SPAK: Does the name Afrim Tola ring a bell?

Pango: I have to rack my brain to remember. I have seen it mentioned in the media.

SPAK: The case file shows that Violeta Shqevi, through a memo, informed you that the former basketball courts had been fenced off and forcibly occupied, and she requested your approval for registration.

Pango: In response to this letter, the director did not make the request as someone familiar with the jurisdiction. You can verify it in the records, at one of the government meetings I asked the prime minister: Why do we have so few assets and leave all of them to the Ministry of Economy? I was not given an answer. We did not have enough assets to start any procedures, and I did not think anyone would place it under my administration at that time. That would have been wishful thinking.