“This law breaker, twice arrested by police in the space of a few months, is left back home by the court, thanks to Judge Herila Çela”, would declare yesterday the Vice Minister of Justice.
But, as the Top Channel file shows, the arrest measure against Taulant Manaj was initially not altered by Judge Herila Çela, but by three Vlora judges of the Court of Appeal, who estimated that the Prosecution did not produce evidence to prove their case.
For this fact, there was no complaint issued against these judges and the Prosecutor’s Office. As reported in the documentation, the 28-year-old was caught up again breaking the law by carrying a gun.
Initially, Judge Çela decided to put the young man behind bars but then “soften” her decision to house arrest after the prosecutors found no imprints of the suspect.
But is this the right decision for a person with so many charges?
TCH: Are you convinced that you have made a decision based on the evidence?
Judge Herila Çela: Absolutely yes, I am convinced of this. The request was filed, and everything is archived in the Court of Vlora. I have no further comments. I am fully responsible for the decision I have made, based on the evidence presented in court by the Prosecution.
She says the Prosecution should have noticed her about the first incident and not separating the cases.
Following the Governments attacks, Çela’s statement during the vetting “season” is also an appeal for all institutions to make all the necessary verifications.
“I am part of the system for 20 years now. I have given heart and soul to this job. I am opened for controls, verifications by all institutions”, Judge Çela says.
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