Arvizu: We asked for a credible trial

In this visit that could be interpreted as a form of support by the US to the Albanian Prosecution, the US Ambassador confirmed the position held one day ago about the verdict against defendants.

“First of all, after the horrible January 21st events, the US made it very clear that the best way to deal with that tragedy was to conduct a thorough investigation to find out what caused that. We underlined the need of having a righteous trial. Credibility is a key concept for this. For the investigation to be reliable, it should address some elements such as who organized it, the demonstrators’ behaviour and the behaviour of the National Guard. This has always been our position and it has never changed. As regards the assistance and involvement of the US, there was no involvement by the US citizens. The involvement came after a specific and direct request of the Prosecutor General, which was supported by the Albanian government. They asked the US for technical assistance with the investigations, and that’s what we did”, Arvizu declared.

As for the Tirana Court declaration, Mr.Arvizu reminded once again that the US were asked by the Albanian government, and said that the Court’s accusations were unfounded.

“As regards the Tirana Court declaration, suggesting that the US is intervening in an Albanian trial, respectfully I do not agree with that, because it is an unfounded accusation. Our involvement came directly after a special request was made by the Prosecutor General and after it was supported by the Albanian Government. The last thing that I want to emphasize is that during my meeting with the General Prosecutor, I thanked his office and the prosecutors who have worked hard to bring this case to justice. Some people would ask about the other participants in this investigation, such as the organizers, the demonstrators’ behaviour, but this is not something on which the US have been involved or on which they have control, because this is an Albanian investigation. Yesterday’s decision was specific for the January 21st, and our declaration was specifically about that case”, Arvizu declared.

After yesterday’s Court verdict, the US embassy reacted by saying that they were dismayed by the court decision, and emphasized the expertise given by the FBI.  The US has directly declared that this decision has undermined the credibility of the court for giving unbiased and transparent justice.

Top Channel