Fehmi Stafa recants bribery confession in judge Gjoko Ristov trial

Former State Attorney and lawyer Fehmi Stafa has testified in the trial of former appellate judge Gjoko Ristov, recanting his previous guilty plea for bribery. Stafa, who is currently serving a prison sentence, claimed in court that his prior confession was made under pressure and fear for his safety.

Stafa testified that the funds in question were not intended for Ristov. He characterized 20,000 euros as a legal fee and stated that another 30,000 euros was a loan from the sister of Ljupcho Petcov, rather than a bribe. He alleged that investigators and prosecutors pressured him to admit the money was meant for the judge to secure a lighter sentence.

The prosecution disputes this version of events, asserting that the case is supported by more than just Stafa’s confession, including communications and testimonies from other judges. The trial follows an investigation where 350,000 euros were discovered in Ristov’s home. Ristov has been removed from his judicial position as legal proceedings continue.