The Albanian Constitutional Court has upheld the decision requiring former Prime Minister Sali Berisha to report to the judicial police but overturned the travel ban that was previously imposed on him. The ruling comes as part of the ongoing legal proceedings against Berisha, who faces corruption charges linked to the privatization of the Partizani Sports Complex.
The court determined that the travel ban, imposed by the Special Court, was disproportionate and violated the principle of proportionality. It concluded that the requirement for Berisha to report to the judicial police was sufficient to achieve the necessary security measures.
Berisha had contested both measures, arguing they were unconstitutional and that the prosecution should have obtained approval from the Albanian Parliament before requesting such restrictions. However, the Constitutional Court disagreed, ruling that parliamentary approval was not necessary.
The court also rejected Berisha’s claim that his right to a fair trial had been infringed upon, affirming that he had been given the opportunity to defend himself in accordance with legal procedures.
In response to the ruling, Berisha announced that he would appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, calling the Constitutional Court’s decision “shameful.”
The Special Prosecutor’s Office had initially imposed these measures in October 2023 as part of its investigation into the privatization of the Partizani Sports Complex. When Berisha failed to comply with the reporting requirement, house arrest was imposed for noncompliance.
Earlier this month, the Special Prosecutor’s Office completed its investigation and forwarded the case to court, charging Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, with corruption in connection with the privatization process.
