Charged for two criminal acts, Paul Lekaj says sacrifice for visa liberalisation is being made

Infrastructure Minister Paul Lekaj has talked about the media for the first time about the indictment that was established to him by the Constitutional Court in Gjakova, for misuse of official office.

Lekaj in an interview for Gazeta Blic, has said he is completely innocent and that the indictment against him has taken place in the spirit of fighting corruption for visa liberalisation.

It's something I believe everyone knows, that someone should become a sacrifice for liberalisation, but as I said, I'm completely innocent, and that will be proven by justice. But I don't feel guilty, it's political persecution from certain circles” is he expressing himself.

Lekaj has declined to speak whether this political persecution is being made by locals or internationals, saying he does not want to influence the judicial process he will face for the first time on May 31st, at the initial court session.

Asked why he has not resigned at the moment the indictment was filed, Lekaj has said that if he felt guilty only 1 % then would resign, but being innocent, he says that after testifying to innocence, no one would take care of him anymore.

If I were to help myself guilty, only $1% guilty believe I would resign. But I don't feel guilty, it's political persecution.
Once again he was filed with the same charge that the Court has rejected, and if I had resigned who would have dealt with me then”The AAK vice president said.

Lekaj has said that he believes in justice, but has warned that after the judgment of the Court is issued, he will also take action against those who slander him.

No matter who comes, I'm about to face justice, and I'm innocent and I believe in justice and they'll be seen with the first hearing, which is 31 May, and I'll be declared innocent, and I can say that I'm allowed to go through procedures with no bias, just for the market that I really don't want to misuse my position, and in the end, it's saying justice itself, but it's going to be a shame for those with an act on me. When justice gives you its word, then I will take my actions, and those who have done this slander of this act will see it” Lekay said.

The Special Prosecutor of the Republic of Kosovo (PSRK) had earlier filed charges against Paul Lekaj for two criminal acts of abuse in office and misuse of official office. These misuses of Lekaj were allegedly made in the period where he led the Gjakova municipality. The first court hearing against him is expected to be held on May 31st.