Decriminalisation law (2015) and MPs with hidden criminal records
Status: In force. Used to remove several officials. Effect on criminal links not measured.
Summary
After a series of scandals over MPs and officials with criminal convictions, parliament passed a law (late 2015 or early 2016; sources differ) that bars people with criminal records from public office and requires background self-declaration. The Central Electoral Commission later dismissed two MPs and one mayor for hiding criminal convictions. A 2025 prosecution reportedly dismissed MPs Rakipi and Rehovica for hidden criminal records abroad under the same law.
Analysts said the law 'touches just some of the symptoms' of politics. The sources reviewed show the law used for record checks; they do not show it used to examine party protection.
Key facts
- Freedom House: law passed December 2015; self-declarations submitted in 2016 (sources differ on exact dates).
- CEC dismissed two MPs and one mayor for hidden criminal records (first enforcement, reported).
- 2025: prosecution moved against MPs Rakipi and Rehovica for hidden records abroad (Tirana Times).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- The law exists and has been used to remove several officials (as reported).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationThat the law was softened or enforced selectively (opposition claim; not verified).
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationSome MPs and officials were in office with undisclosed records or pending charges (as reported).
Open questions (3)
- Which MPs were removed in the first enforcement and which party benefited?
- How many officials were checked, and how many were cleared?
- What did the 2025 prosecution find about Rakipi and Rehovica?
Responses (0)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
Nothing recorded in this list.
Timeline
Full timeline →Court
Prosecution acts against MPs Rakipi and Rehovica for hidden records abroad
Prosecutors acted against two MPs under the 2015 decriminalisation law for hidden criminal records abroad. Month not confirmed.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 3 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 3 sources
- Publisher
- OCCRP
- Date
- 27 Nov 2015
- Publisher
- Tirana Times
- Date
- 2025
- Publisher
- Freedom House
- Date
- 2017