Shkurti, known as “Aldo Bare,” was sentenced to life in prison by Albania’s Serious Crimes Court in March, but the appeals court determined that procedural mistakes brought the verdict into question, reports Balkan Insight.
Shkurti was arrested in Ankara, Turkey, in March 2006 after more than a decade as a fugitive. He was extradited to Albania in November 2009.
He is accused of leading an organization in the central Albanian town of Lushnje for more than 10 years that caused people to live in fear. Prosecutors charged Shkurti with five murders, including police and secret service members as well as a deputy mayor. He is also charged with ordering bombings at the homes of several law enforcement officials.
He is also accused of organizing a criminal syndicate, destruction of property and desecration of graves, and international drug trafficking.
