Artan Grubi released from house arrest; passport decision still pending
Release follows expiration of the court measure; prosecutors must still decide on his request to return the passport with a guarantee exceeding €300,000.
Former deputy prime minister Artan Grubi will be released from house arrest today because the court-imposed measure has reached its maximum statutory duration. Under the law, the restriction can last no longer than 60 days from the moment it was ordered.
There is still no ruling on Grubi's request to have his passport returned in exchange for a guarantee exceeding €300,000. A decision is pending the stance of the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office – Skopje.
Accusations and co-defendants
Grubi faces criminal charges together with seven other people, including the former director of the State Lottery, Perparim Bajrami. All are accused of abuse of official position in connection with the procurement of VLT machines for the Lottery.
The ongoing procedure concerns suspicions of irregularities in that procurement process. Prosecutors have yet to make a formal pronouncement that would settle outstanding measures tied to the case.
Until the Basic Public Prosecutor's Office delivers its position, the question of returning Grubi's passport remains open and unresolved.
Photo: press material from the event
