Former interior minister Saimir Tahiri testified today in the Prosecution Office of the Serious Crimes about the threats to university rector Mynyr Koni from Emiljano Shullazi, head of a criminal gang, who was arrested immediately after the happening became public.

Tahiri gave no details of what he told the prosecutors, but asked the media reporters to appreciate the fact he responded to the Prosecution’s invitation to testify.

“I responded positively to the Prosecution’s invitation, to speak about the job I did when the two professors denounced they had been threatened. I see this as a contribution for a stronger state and justice”, Tahiri said.

Asked repeatedly about what he told the Prosecutors, Tahiri refused to give a clear answer. During his period as the interior minister, Tahiri has been accused of connection to crime and namely to Emiljano Shullazi’s gang.

The tense talk with the reporters

Tahiri: I gave my contribution for this case. I accepted to present myself to the Prosecution, unlike some others who have refused even when they killed the father-in-law…

Reporter: Mr. Tahiri, did Mr. Koni tell you he was threatened from Emiljano Shullazi?

Tahiri: Ask Mr. Koni…

Reporter: You did not answer to the question…

Tahiri: I am convinced you have an exciting ability to receive information from the prosecution of the Serious Crimes.

Reporter: MrZoti, what did you say about the threats?

Tahiri: Albanians want to know if we’ll ever have politicians who respect the law and institutions or we’ll have politicians who, even when they kill, refuse to go to the court…

Reporter: Luan Rama made a declaration yesterday about drugs and its elimination. Any comment?

Tahiri: I’ve been too busy and did not listen to the declaration.

Reporter: Do you regret you could not capture (most wanted) Balili?

Tahiri: I have no remorse, because he was declared wanted when I was minister. When he will be arrested, today or one year later, this is a police question. Do not forget, he’s been an institution director before.

Reporter: You have been accused of connections to Shullazi…

Tahiri: By whom?

Reporter: The opposition…

Tahiri: (laughing) Ah, ask the opposition.

Reporter: Mr. Berisha has given you the last name Shullazi.

Tahiri: I have grown used to Sali’s accusing me. It only makes me stronger. But, I am not like Sali, who killed people in January 21 and did not present himself to the prosecution.