The Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has officially completed its investigation and has sent former Himara Mayor Jorgo Goro, along with two former senior officials, to trial on charges of “Abuse of Office” and violations in land ownership transfers. The charges stem from illegal actions and procedural violations that deprived several citizens in the Himara region of their legal property rights.
According to SPAK, Goro, along with former directors Jerasimo Bashi and Vasillaq Strakosha, acted in direct breach of Law No. 171/2014, which regulates the transfer of agricultural land from former collective farms to private ownership, and several other government decisions, including the Council of Ministers Decision No. 337/2015. The investigation shows how the accused individuals took actions that deliberately violated legal procedures meant to ensure fairness in land allocations.
The Charges: What Did Goro and His Associates Do?
The investigation into Jorgo Goro’s actions revealed that, during his tenure as the Mayor of Himara, he used his position to manipulate the land transfer process in favor of certain individuals while disregarding the legal requirements and guidelines set forth by the government. These violations resulted in the improper distribution of agricultural land, causing harm to local citizens who were unjustly denied their rightful property.
Under the legal framework, especially Law No. 9948/2008, which focuses on the legality of land ownership over agricultural land, Goro’s actions have been classified as “Abuse of Office” since he failed to fulfill his responsibilities properly. His decisions, taken in collaboration with Bashi and Strakosha, are seen as intentional violations of laws designed to protect the citizens of Himara and ensure the legal and proper distribution of land.
According to the documents gathered by SPAK, the three accused were responsible for overseeing land transfers and validating the ownership status of agricultural land in Himara. However, they allegedly violated the legal procedures stipulated by Council of Ministers Decision No. 337 and other regulations, causing significant financial and emotional distress to the affected families.
Who Is Facing Trial?
- Jorgo Goro – The former Mayor of Himara, who is charged with multiple counts of “Abuse of Office” for repeatedly failing to execute his duties in accordance with the law.
- Vasillaq Strakosha – Former Director of Land Protection and Management at Himara Municipality, accused of “Abuse of Office” for his role in the unlawful actions regarding land allocations.
- Jerasimo Bashi – Former Director of Land Protection and Management at Himara Municipality, also facing charges of “Abuse of Office” for similar offenses in violation of the law.
These charges stem from procedural violations identified during the investigation between 2021 and 2024, with all three accused individuals allegedly participating in the mishandling of land distribution. SPAK’s investigation uncovered clear evidence of unlawful activities and failure to carry out responsibilities, which will now be subject to trial in the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO).
The Legal Framework and Breaches
The legal violations stem primarily from Law No. 171/2014, which governs the legal procedures for the transfer of land from the state to private individuals. Specifically, the accused individuals are charged with violating the provisions of this law and Council of Ministers Decision No. 337/2015, which outlines the procedures for transferring agricultural land ownership. The law also imposes strict regulations on land eligibility and validity of land titles, which were disregarded in this case.
By collaborating in the abuse of land transfer processes, Goro, Bashi, and Strakosha collectively defied the legal framework meant to ensure proper land distribution. The investigation suggests that their actions were intentional, aiming to benefit certain individuals at the cost of rightful landowners. These unlawful acts led to financial loss and unjust deprivation of property for many Himara residents.
What’s Next?
SPAK’s decision to send the case to trial marks a significant step in its anti-corruption efforts, particularly in local government offices. The trial will be handled by the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime, where Goro, Bashi, and Strakosha will face serious charges for their alleged misconduct. If convicted, they could face severe penalties for abusing their official powers.
This trial is an important moment in the ongoing fight against corruption in Albania, with special attention placed on local government officials and their role in managing public resources.
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