Recently, the Strasbourg Court highlighted the need for Albania to address its backlog of pending court cases. It urged the country to fill existing judicial vacancies and ensure that the judiciary has the necessary resources to function effectively.
In a letter to journalist Anila Hoxha, Pëllumb Yzeiraj shared that he has won his case against Albania at the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled that his unjust imprisonment should end. He expressed frustration over how long the Fier and Appeal Courts have delayed his case, leading him to declare a hunger strike until a resolution is reached.
In his letter, Yzeiraj detailed his struggle over the last 24 years, during which he has endured a wrongful conviction. He pointed out that despite winning his case in Strasbourg, the Albanian courts continue to postpone any action, effectively disregarding the ruling of the European Court. His desperation for justice has pushed him to take this extreme measure, seeking to urgently draw attention to his plight and prompt action from the judiciary.
Yzeiraj also mentioned difficulties in communication, as his phone was blocked after discussing another sensitive case, but he remains hopeful that his story will reach those who can help. He believes that with proper attention to his situation, he might finally receive the justice he has waited for so long.
He urges Hoxha to amplify his voice, hoping to connect with a judge or authority that will acknowledge his claims and facilitate the enforcement of the court’s ruling in his favor. His heartfelt plea reflects not only his personal agony but also the broader issues within the Albanian judicial system, as highlighted by the Strasbourg Court’s recent statement.
As the situation unfolds, the impact of Yzeiraj’s hunger strike and the response from the Albanian judicial system remain to be seen, but it underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability within the legal framework of the country.
