The deputy of the Democratic Party, Ervin Salianji, made an official request to the Supreme Court this Tuesday for the suspension of his prison sentence.

Salianji was sentenced to 1 year in prison for making a false report in the case known as “Babale”.

In his request, the Democratic Party deputy requests that the execution of the sentence be suspended until the review by the Supreme Court, arguing that the process was irregular and that the decision taken is controversial.

In the request, it is emphasized that the suspension of the sentence is important for preserving the mandate of the deputy that was taken by the people.

Salianji’s lawyers claim that the sentence is politically motivated and not based on sufficient evidence, stressing that their client should not serve the sentence until the judicial proceedings in the higher instances are completed.

Today’s request comes in a heated political climate, where many officials of the Democratic Party have expressed support for Salianji, describing his sentence as a blow to free speech and an attempt to silence the opposition.

In relation to Salianj’s sentence, the opposition is expected to start civil disobedience from Tirana on October 7, which, according to DP officials, will spread throughout Albania.