The Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) in Albania has implemented a house arrest measure today against Sali Berisha, the former conservative prime minister and leader of the opposition, amid an ongoing corruption investigation.
As per reports from Albanian media, the directive mandates that Sali Berisha remains confined to his residence, strictly forbidden from departing, with law enforcement tasked to ensure strict adherence to this ruling. Additionally, Berisha is restricted from communicating with anyone beyond those residing in the same place.
This legal action from the Albanian judicial system follows the revocation of Berisha’s parliamentary immunity by the socialist majority in the national Parliament last month. This move has paved the way for investigations into his conduct both as a member of parliament and as the head of the Democratic Party.
The decision to impose house arrest on Berisha, who was already barred from leaving the country, is a consequence of his persistent defiance of Prosecutor’s directives, specifically regarding regular reporting to law enforcement.
Supporters of the former prime minister have accused the ruling socialist government of targeting Berisha for political reasons. Their protests within the Parliament, marked by the use of flares and smoke bombs, have disrupted legislative proceedings for weeks.
The investigation initiated by the anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office in October has alleged that during Berisha’s tenure as prime minister (2005-2013), he advocated for legislative changes that facilitated the privatization of a Tirana-based sports complex owned by the Albanian Army, allegedly benefitting his son-in-law. Furthermore, he is accused of using his influence to push forward this controversial operation.
Jamarber Maltezi, Berisha’s son-in-law, faces similar charges and is presently subjected to house arrest.
Both Berisha and his son-in-law stand accused of unlawfully acquiring profits from the construction ventures at the former sports complex site.
Berisha and his family find themselves on the sanctions list of the United States and the United Kingdom, owing to allegations of corruption and ties to organized crime. Consequently, they are barred from entering these countries.
