The Municipality of Pristina has exchanged the property in the Gërmi National Park owned by Mefail Cakolli for a property in Bregu i Diellit.
Mefail Cakolli already owns a million-dollar property, but who is he and how do residents know him?
"Mefaili is a cousin of mine who is also a resident of Pristina, lives in Sofali and he is the initiator or mediator of this property that he requested for exchange. We cannot accuse Mefaili of starting this action or anything. I have the accusations against the Municipal Assembly, specifically against the person or against Arben Kqira, who is a legal official in the municipality who made this whole scam, Arben Kqira," said resident Xhemshit Cakolli.
Resident Valdet Aliu said that Mefail Cakolli says he is not a nobody, but a simple citizen of Pristina.
"In all likelihood, he has someone very strong behind him. When I say strong, I'm not doubting in terms of strength, but there is someone in the municipality who supports him, and these are being seen with facts that they have made all those false documents and claim to take the land that we inherited," he said.
Bastri Vllasaliu, Resident
"Yes, Mefail Cakolli has all these municipal scoundrels behind him, today for today, I am capable of dying for my country, since today I said I am capable of dying here," said another resident Bastri Vllasaliu.
On the other hand, Mefail Cakolli says he will use the property and will not stop the construction.
"Cakolli: No, but the contract cannot be canceled. On what basis can the contract be canceled?
Journalist: Because, the Appeals Court verdict is saying that...
Cakolli: What are you saying?
Journalist:…That land does not belong to the Municipality but to the residents there.
Cakolli: Is the property I am there included?
Journalist: The property you now have in Breg i Diellit is included.
Cakolli: No, it's not included!
Journalist: No, it's included!
According to him, the Appeals Court's decision is unenforceable for him.
"Cakolli: But that decision is unenforceable for me, I'm thinking about it. And for the Municipality, it's a different matter, I'm not interested in that matter."
Journalist: But, if the full decision is implemented, it also applies to your part because it is included in the verdict.
Cakolli: If it can't be done... You're saying it, not me.
Journalist: The verdict says so.
Cakolli:… and it cannot be implemented. I am saying it cannot be implemented as long as no provision is my name, surname or parcel number. Legally not, or do you understand? Legally not!
Journalist: Yes, if the property is returned to its previous conditions, it is up to the Municipality to return it and then the Municipality must transfer it to the owners in their name.
Cakolli: No, it can't. The municipality should... if there is any other dispute or whatever, the municipality should ask the residents to come together or whatever agreement I don't know...
Journalist: Or should I compensate you...
Cakolli: No, I was compensated. They should be compensated because I am compensated.
Journalist: Have you had a chance to talk to the residents about that area?
Cakolli: "I have nothing to do with the residents."
But even the residents say they will not give up their land.
"If necessary, we can continue to the Strasbourg Court, but we must not abandon our land, the heritage of our ancestors," said resident Aliu.
"They won't be able to get there, there will be a problem, and there will be a pretty big problem, what can I say, when he comes there, that work will be seen, we will see, we have to wait and what he has taken away to take the property in his own name, he has taken it away from the municipality. He is a scoundrel, he keeps to himself who I am, but he is nobody, someone else's property does not become yours", said on the other side resident Vllasaliu.
"Oh sister, the land is ours. We won in court, but these people in the municipality are making deals. I'm old, the land is ours and I can't use our land, our house, our shelter," said resident Asllan Vllasaliu.
On the other hand, the Basic Prosecution Office in Pristina has authorized the Police to collect information about this case.
The Court of Appeal in 2024 issued a verdict recognizing the residents as owners of about 64 acres in Breg i Diellit, but the Municipality of Pristina had decided to exchange 16 acres of this parcel for another property in Gërmi in 2013. This entire process is being considered suspicious and illegal.
For more, follow the investigation "Criminal Scheme: How was the double compensation of property in Gërmi with the property of citizens in the Sunshine Coast made?", which is broadcast on T7 and the online platforms of "Betimi për Drejtësi".
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