Published on 3 April 2023

THIRD SECTION

Application no. 29273/16 Arben KALLO against Albania lodged on 26 April 2016 communicated on 13 March 2023

SUBJECT MATTER OF THE CASE

The application concerns the applicant’s trial and conviction in absentia for trafficking children in 2009. In the trial proceedings, in which he was sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment, the applicant was represented by a lawyer appointed by his family. In 2012 the applicant was arrested in Greece and learned of the proceedings against him.

Upon his extradition to Albania, he requested a retrial The request was granted. However, the applicant complains that he was not allowed to present his evidence and that his previous conviction was upheld on the basis of the evidence presented during his trial in absentia .

The applicant lodged a complaint with the Constitutional Court which dismissed it as unfounded on 3 November 2015.

The applicant complains under Article 6 §§ 1 and 3 (c) of the Convention about his trial and conviction in absentia and that he was not represented by a lawyer of his own choosing.

He also complains that he received a heavier punishment than the one prescribed by law.

QUESTIONS TO THE PARTIES