16 years have passed since the explosion at the ammunition dismantling factory in Gërdec. 26 people lost their lives and 300 others were injured at noon on March 15, 2008, marking one of the worst tragedies in the country’s history.
The powerful explosion is still fresh in the memories of the residents of Gërdec. The opposition of that time accused Berisha’s government of the tragedy and involvement in a large arms trafficking network.
The prestigious American “New York Times” published articles about the event, casting doubts on the involvement of high officials in this, but Berisha considered the American newspaper as “toilet paper”.
While years have passed, the families of the victims still seek justice. No official is behind bars. Currently, the trial continues with the defendant, the former Minister of Defense of the time, Fatmir Mediu, against whom the charges of “Misuse of duty” and Misuse of duty” based on the military code are heavy.
The reopening of the case against Mediu was initiated after 12 years by the initiative of the family of one of the victims of the explosion. At the same time, investigations are being conducted into corruption of high officials and money laundering. Former minister Aldo Bumçi and the son of former prime minister Sali Berisha, Shkëlzen Berisha, were questioned.
/abcnews.al
