SPAK reopens Gerdec deadly explosion case, demands trial of former Minister Mediu

06/05/2021 16:31

Special Prosecution SPAK has announced it is reopening the investigation file for the destructive explosion of 13 years ago in the Ministry of Defense site for dismantling outdated weaponry, where 26 people were killed and dozens were injured.

The prosecution reportedly sought a trial against then-Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, chairman of the Republican Party, then an ally of the ruling Democratic Party.

In the dismantling plant of the old weapons of the communist era, were applied not even the minimum safety conditions, and uninsured people or children worked there.

Zamira Durda, who lost her 7-year-old son in the Gerdec explosion and later became the symbol of seeking justice for the event, has been able to reopen the investigation on former Minister of Defense Fatmir Mediu, 13 years after the shocking event.

SPAK says that there are all legal reasons for the revocation of the decision to dismiss the criminal case against Fatmir Mediu, which was closed without any measure on 14.09.2009 by the High Court Criminal College.

The reopening of the investigation was carried out thanks to the constitutional changes resulting from the justice reform, according to which “the MP no longer has parliamentary immunity for criminal prosecution, investigation or trial”.

Durdian family lawyer Dorian Matlija explains for Top Channel what this decision means. “The re-examination of Fatmir Mediu has been requested many times but was never carried out. Only SPAK is realizing this. It is still early. It depends on how the investigation with Fatmir Mediu will go and what he can say in his defence.”

The reopening of the investigation into the role that former Defense Minister Mediu played in the Gerdec tragedy, is a first step. The revelation of the truth that remained hidden in the Gerdec tragedy, is extremely necessary to restore the faith of Albanians in justice.

Top Channel