A protest was held outside Albania’s Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) on Monday, January 19, 2025, in support of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Organized by the opposition Democratic Party (PD), the protest took place as Berisha appeared at the prosecutor’s office to address corruption charges.
Berisha, who is under investigation for his role in the privatization of sports facilities in Tirana, faces allegations of corruption. In early January 2025, the Special Appeal Court for Corruption and Organized Crime imposed a “duty to report to judicial police” measure on him, a decision that has been strongly opposed by the PD, who argue it is politically motivated.
Before entering the prosecutor’s office, Berisha spoke to the press, condemning SPAK, claiming the institution was “engaged in a war against pluralism and the opposition.” He further described SPAK as a “political institution.”
Opposition MPs were also present, expressing their belief that “nothing will stop the opposition and PD from making agreements with the people.”
The protest remained peaceful, with additional police forces deployed to ensure order, and no incidents were reported.
Background on the legal case
Berisha’s legal troubles stem from allegations related to the privatization of sports facilities linked to the “Partizani Football Club” and “Partizani Multisport Club” in Tirana. In October 2023, the court imposed a “duty to report to judicial police” and a travel ban on Berisha. His son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, was initially arrested and later placed under house arrest for suspected corruption and money laundering.
In December 2023, SPAK requested permission from the Albanian Parliament to arrest Berisha, which was approved by the Parliament. The court then imposed house arrest, a measure that was lifted in November 2024. Berisha is still under judicial supervision.
