Artan Grubi to defend himself from freedom after detention ends on October 13, judge says

Judge Daniela Dimovska of the Basic Criminal Court said in a podcast on October 5 that former first deputy prime minister Artan Grubi will be able to defend himself from freedom because his pretrial detention expires on October 13.

Dimovska told the programme that, irrespective of the court's decision in the case, Grubi will remain at liberty once the detention term ends. "The only thing I can say with certainty is that regardless of the decision (of the court), he will await it at liberty. Grubi's detention expires on October 13. The person will continue to follow the process and defend himself at liberty," she said.

Court process and charges

Grubi is accused in the "State Lottery" case of abuse of official position and authority. The indictment against him and seven other defendants was filed on August 13, 2026.

The trial is ongoing. Grubi, who previously served as the first deputy prime minister and as a deputy leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), has pleaded not guilty.

Dimovska's remarks clarify that the procedural status of the accused will change when the detention period ends, but the criminal proceedings will continue while Grubi remains free.

Photo: press material from the event