President Okays Government Changes to Criminal Code

TIRANA – President Ilir Meta has responded positively to the government’s request for cooperation and consensus on the changes to the Criminal Code because, as he said in a press conference on Wednesday, he considered them as indispensable at a time when the current code has significant loopholes on the issue related to natural disasters.

Parliament adopted the amendments to the Criminal Code which provide for imprisonment for all those who intentionally spread coronavirusa a few days ago in a speedy procedure as requested by the government having the pandemic as background.

On Wednesday President announced that he had backed government’s initiative for the amendments to the Criminal Code, which provide for imprisonment of all those who intentionally spread coronavirus by decreeing them. He assessed them as indispensable at this time of natural fatality.

According to him, based on the developments, the state of emergency, but above all due to the legal gap in the Criminal Code regarding actions that are carried out intentionally the President evaluates that the initiative of the Parliament and the government to ensure health protection is guaranteed by the norm and should be supported.

Further on Meta said that there are there are many substantial positive changes between the initial draft presented by the MPs and the final content, which have reflected a part of the suggestions of the civil society, the ombudsman, and the President.

In a comment on the management of the situation by Prime Minister Edi Rama during coronavirus and if  the government head is using the situation to obtain more powers, Meta said he did not believe it was time to use or abuse the situation for power, adding that such action would be costly for anyone.

“My concern is the health of every citizen and our national economy. I do not believe that it is time to use or misuse any power for such a crisis, as it would be very irresponsible and costly for anyone who would do such a thing,” said Meta.

Asked about the tax amnesty presented by the premier two days ago Meta did not make any comment saying that now he is concerned for the citizens’ health. “At a later time I will express my thorough approach on it,” he said, adding that he was aware of the concern over to an exit from the current situation because the economic problems are becoming severe. /argumentum.al