The Basic Court of Prishtinë has confirmed the indictment against Speaker of Parliament Glauk Konjufca, MP Pal Lekaj, and former MPs Aida Dërguti and Besa Baftiu for the criminal offense of “Use of a Weapon or Dangerous Tool” in connection to the 2015 tear gas incident in the Assembly.
The indictment, filed by the Basic Prosecution in Prishtinë, stems from the use of tear gas in the parliamentary chamber in December 2015. Other charges against Teuta Haxhiu and Time Kadrijaj for unauthorized weapon possession, and against Konjufca, Lekaj, Dërguti, and Baftiu for “Obstruction of Official Persons,” were dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
The court found sufficient evidence to proceed with trial on the remaining charge, rejecting defense motions to dismiss the case and ruling that the State Prosecutor did not violate the presumption of innocence.
Specifically:
- Defense objections regarding the legality and reliability of evidence, including explosive device reports and electronic media (CDs, DVDs), were dismissed as unfounded.
- The indictment was confirmed as properly based on the Criminal Procedure Code standards.
Meanwhile:
- The charge of unauthorized weapon possession against Haxhiu and Kadrijaj was dropped due to relative prescription of criminal prosecution.
- The charge of obstruction of official persons against Konjufca, Lekaj, Dërguti, and Baftiu was dismissed due to absolute prescription, as the alleged offense dates back to 14 December 2015.
Parties have the right to appeal the decision within 10 days of receiving the ruling.
