Convicted for the murder of Martin Çeço, the 21-year-old from Korçë, Tina Pajollari, speaks out: Police pressured me to change my statement

Tina Pajollari, the 21-year-old from Korçë accused of involvement in the 2022 murder of Martin Çeço, has denied any connection to the crime and raised serious allegations against officers of the State Police.

In a phone interview with Evis Ahmeti, host of the show Me zemër të hapur, Pajollari said that during her three years in prison, she faced continuous pressure during the investigation related to the case. She claimed she was escorted and held for three days in a hotel near police premises.

“I was under constant pressure to change my statements. They told me that if I didn’t accept, I would end up in prison,” she said.

Pajollari also claims she experienced harsh treatment and threats during this period, including physical violence, adding that she has presented these allegations in court.

She stated that during her time in prison she spoke with psychologists and maintained her innocence, denying any involvement in the crime for which she was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the court of first instance.

Meanwhile, her defense lawyers have declared they will appeal the court’s decision, seeking a review of the case and her exclusion from the charges related to the murder.

Pajollari added that the continuous pressure from police made her change her version of events. She denied any prior acquaintance with the victim and said that neither the show nor the journalist promised her anything in exchange for the interview.

She described her first month in prison as very difficult, though she later adapted, mostly keeping to herself and not participating in activities organized there.

“I told my truth in prison. I spoke with psychologists and told them I am innocent and have no connection to that event, but I was forced by the police to give a different version,” she said.

She also stated that she felt very unwell and became ill after hearing the 20-year sentence.

Her lawyers, after leaving the courtroom, reiterated that they will appeal the decision, arguing she should not be implicated in the murder of Martin Çeço.

Pajollari further alleged that police asked her to admit she knew Martin, claiming she was held for three days in a hotel near the police station and pressured to confirm such a connection.

“They treated me very badly, they detained me, threatened me—if you don’t admit it, you will rot in prison,” she said.

She also alleged physical violence, stating that several police officers were involved, two of whom she remembers and could identify if she saw them again.

According to her, these claims were also presented in court, but the first-instance court did not take them into consideration.

“KORÇA BOOM”