Justice Minister Toni Gogu has responded after media reports about his visit to the Fier prison, where on Friday he met with Erion Veliaj. In a public statement, Gogu confirms the meeting with Veliaj, clarifying that the visit was carried out within the framework of his institutional responsibilities as Minister of Justice, with the aim of gaining a firsthand understanding of the conditions of treatment and listening to complaints publicly raised by the former Mayor of Tirana’s lawyer. He also denies having received an SMS from Prime Minister Edi Rama.
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I am deeply sorry for the falsehoods published today regarding my visit to IEVP Fier.
Yes, I met Erion Veliaj on Friday. In the exercise of my duties as Minister of Justice, I went to familiarize myself with the conditions of his treatment and to listen to the complaints publicly expressed by his lawyer.
Erion and I are bound by a very old friendship, which everyone knows.
But I want to be completely clear: I cannot understand why these falsehoods were fabricated, and I do not want to believe that Erion said or wrote them.
Whoever knows me knows there is no chance, in this world or the next, that I would utter the “messages” that have been put in my mouth. I am truly surprised.
I went to hear the concerns of a person after a media storm and the understandable concerns of anyone who is worried when rights and freedoms are discussed.
The circumstances of the visit are documented and verifiable.
As for the rest, time and truth walk hand in hand.
Ultimatumi i Ramës për Veliajn në burg: Dorëzo mandatin ose në SPAK