Sali Berisha, leader of Albania’s Democratic Party, appeared today at the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), following a ruling from the Court of Appeals. The court decision requires Berisha to report to SPAK twice a month as part of his ongoing legal case.
Berisha, who is facing charges of corruption related to the privatization of the “Partizani” sports complex, arrived at SPAK around 10:00 AM. Outside the building, dozens of supporters from his party gathered to show their solidarity.
Speaking to the press, Berisha accused SPAK of political motives behind the charges. “This isn’t about evidence, it’s about punishing me for speaking out against corrupt judges and prosecutors,” he said. He also criticized Altin Dumani, the head of SPAK, calling him a “chief electoral criminal” for allegedly covering up electoral fraud.
Flamur Noka, the General Secretary of the Democratic Party, also attended the protest and declared that similar demonstrations would continue. “We are here to oppose an unjust, politically driven decision,” Noka said. “We will be back every two weeks.”
According to the ruling from Judge Engert Pëllumbi, Berisha is required to appear at SPAK on the first and third Mondays of each month. The case involves accusations of passive corruption, relating to the privatization of the “Partizani” complex, and includes Berisha’s son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, as part of the investigation.
