Rama on the investigation of former SHISH chief: the institution should have been protected, the matter will be treated seriously at the National Security Council meeting

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted from the press hall at the “Nënë Tereza” international airport after SPAK launched investigations into former State Intelligence Service (SHISH) chief Vlora Hyseni, who is under “house arrest.” Rama said every suspicion must be investigated to the end and every accusation proven through an independent judicial process.

“Every suspicion must be investigated to the end, every accusation raised against anyone must be proven through an independent judicial process. Any restriction of freedoms imposed by the prosecution body on anyone who does not have parliamentary immunity is challenged only in court and not with the prime minister,” Rama declared.

The prime minister stressed that respect for the independence of justice must not mean silence when, during an investigation, concerns arise relating to the functioning of state institutions. “Respect for the independence of justice does not mean silence even when a principled concern appears during its investigative activity,” Rama said. He focused particularly on the exposure of the institution itself, arguing that protecting it is the responsibility of the entire state. “During the taking of the measure, an institution of particular importance was exposed to the potential of great damage that could have been avoided. When the work brings the investigation up to the head of SHISH, this is no longer a problem of independent power, but a problem of the entire state,” the prime minister said.

Rama added that the investigation into Vlora Hyseni must not be confused with the need to protect the institution and its functioning. “The investigation of Vlora Hyseni is beyond any doubt, but the smooth running of the institution and the damage it brings is the duty of the entire state,” he declared. The prime minister went on to say the situation must be treated seriously and that the National Security Council meeting, convened by the President, is an opportunity to discuss institutional responsibilities and guarantees for the protection of security institutions. “The time has come to treat this seriously. The Security Council, convened tomorrow by the President, is the right place to reflect on institutional responsibilities and to discuss the guarantees that must protect our institutions when their leaders or employees go off the rails and become the subject of a criminal investigation,” Rama concluded.