Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced on Wednesday that he has been formally charged with corruption related to a property deal, calling the charges politically motivated.
In October, prosecutors launched an investigation into Berisha for allegedly abusing his office to assist his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, in privatizing public land for the construction of 17 apartment buildings in Tirana, the capital.
Berisha, 79, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, has been under house arrest since December for failing to comply with a requirement to check in with authorities every two weeks. He is also prohibited from traveling abroad.
On Wednesday, Berisha appeared at the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), where he was officially informed of the charges during a 30-minute meeting. He was given a 500-page evidence file, which he dismissed as “lies.”
Malltezi, who is also active in both politics and business, was likewise formally charged with corruption on Wednesday.
In December, Berisha was stripped of his legal immunity by Parliament.
The former prime minister has condemned the investigation and his detention as political repression orchestrated by Prime Minister Edi Rama, leader of the governing Socialist Party.
“This is simply a continuation of political revenge,” Berisha told reporters outside the prosecutors’ office, rejecting all accusations of corruption.
Scores of supporters gathered outside, chanting slogans in support of Berisha and denouncing the government.
Berisha served as prime minister from 2005 to 2013 and as president from 1992 to 1997. He was re-elected to Parliament in 2021 as a member of the Democratic Party.
With Albania’s parliamentary elections scheduled for next year, Berisha’s ability to run could be compromised if he is convicted or awaiting trial.
The U.S. government barred Berisha and his immediate family from entering the country in May 2021, followed by a similar decision from the U.K. in July 2022, both citing his alleged involvement in corruption.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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