Artan Grubi to be asked to plead in State Lottery €8.2m case

Former deputy prime minister Artan Grubi is expected to state whether he pleads guilty in the State Lottery case at a hearing that may take place tomorrow. He is one of eight people suspected in an alleged misuse of €8.2 million connected to the State Lottery.

Court schedule and outstanding issues

The trial had been officially scheduled to begin on 24 August but was postponed. If a hearing is convened tomorrow, Grubi will be required to formally declare his position on guilt or innocence.

Among the eight suspects is former State Lottery director Perparim Bajrami, who is currently at large. Authorities continue to seek those named in the indictment.

Sources close to the defence told TV 24 that the defence argues not all evidentiary material required by law has been provided to them. The defence says this gap affects their ability to prepare fully for trial.

The court must now decide whether to proceed with the planned session and address the defence's objections before moving forward with the substantive proceedings.

Legal representatives for the accused, the prosecution and the court did not issue further public statements before the possible hearing.

Photo: press material from the event