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| Safet Gjici and Alma Kaçi in intimate moments in the former's office |
The court reclassified the charge against Gjici from corruption to abuse of office. In the same case, Alma Kaçi received a one-year prison sentence following a separate conviction.
According to SPAK’s investigation, Gjici allegedly accepted personal favors in exchange for promises related to a municipal project. The prosecution argued that these actions constituted an abuse of his official position.
Before the court announced its decision, Gjici maintained his innocence, asserting that he had not violated any laws. He expressed remorse to his family and the citizens of Kukës, stating that he had already suffered a moral and emotional punishment.
“I have received the greatest punishment — a moral one. I apologize to my family and to the citizens of Kukës,” said Gjici in court.
Gjici also claimed that his case was influenced by personal and political conflicts, particularly with businessman Abedin Oruci. According to Gjici, their disagreement dated back to 2019 over disputes concerning municipal property and construction permits near Lake Kukës.
“Our conflict began when I stopped unauthorized construction near the lake. This case has roots in those events,” Gjici declared.
He further questioned why, according to him, certain individuals connected to the case were not investigated, suggesting that the proceedings against him had been overly harsh.
Gjici’s defense attorneys argued that the evidence presented was not sufficient to prove wrongdoing and that the case was based on manipulated information. They emphasized that Gjici had not committed any criminal act and called for his acquittal.
The decision of the Special Court closes one of the most publicized cases involving a former local official in Albania, drawing significant public attention and debate over political accountability and justice in local governance.