The appeal of the GJKKO upholds the prison sentence for Gjergj Cukali

The Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime has upheld the previous first instance decision for a group of defendants, Gjergj Cukali, Florian Abazi, Paris Prenga and Edmond Jamaku, for serious criminal offenses.

Cukali was sentenced to 25 years in prison, a decision that was upheld. Emiljano Shullazi's friend is accused of having planted TNT on the car of businessman Gjon Mena.

Meanwhile, Blendi Deden was sentenced to 18 years in prison for attempted intentional murder within the framework of a structured criminal group, to the detriment of citizen AB. The court combined his sentences into a single sentence of 18 years.

Appeal Decision of the GJKKO:

The Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime, with a panel composed of judges Tereza Merkaj (presiding), Engert Pëllumbi (member) and Igerta Hysi (member), on 09.07.2025, announced the decision regarding the case registered with no. 14 act, date 21.01.2025 registration, on the appeal filed by the defendants Gj.C., EJ, EJ, BD, P.(B.)P., and FB, against decision no. 49, date 31.07.2024 of the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime, and decided:

I. Enforcing decision no. 49, dated 31.07.2024 of the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime with this amendment:

1. In application of Article 28/7 of the Criminal Code, the defendant EJ in his capacity as a collaborator of justice, his sentence is reduced and he is ultimately sentenced to 7 (seven) years of imprisonment.

2. Sentencing the defendant BD for committing the criminal offense of "Intentional Murder", to the detriment of citizen AB, attempted and committed in collaboration within the framework of a structured criminal group, provided for by articles 76-22-28/4 of the Criminal Code and in application of article 334/1 of the Criminal Code, to 18 (eighteen) years of imprisonment.

3. In consolidating the sentences, pursuant to Article 55 of the Criminal Code, the conviction of the defendant BD with a single sentence of 18 (eighteen) years of imprisonment.

II. The court costs, even for the trial at the appeal level, shall be borne jointly by the defendants.

III. This decision may be appealed to the Supreme Court within 45 days, starting from the day after the notification of the reasoned decision.

Proclaimed in Tirana, today, 09.07.2025.