TIRANA, Albania (AP) – The trial of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, the leader of the opposition Democratic Party, commenced on Monday, focusing on corruption charges. Berisha, who is 80 years old, faces trial at the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime, a tribunal dedicated to cases involving high-ranking officials and politicians. This case also implicates his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, and three additional individuals.
In October 2023, prosecutors initiated an investigation against Berisha, centering on allegations that he misused his official position to aid Malltezi in the privatization of public land, which was earmarked for the construction of 17 apartment buildings in Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Subsequently, in September 2024, Berisha was formally charged with corruption connected to this property deal. Berisha has categorically denied the accusations, attributing his legal troubles to political repression orchestrated by Prime Minister Edi Rama, a member of the left-wing Socialist Party.
On the opening day of his trial, Berisha fulfilled his obligation to report to the prosecutor’s office, a requirement he must adhere to every two weeks. However, he opted not to appear in court, stating that his representation was handled by his legal team. "My presence or not is set from my lawyers and naturally in line with the laws," he told journalists. He emphasized that the session was an opportunity for his lawyers to present their arguments.
Berisha's political career spans several significant roles; he was the Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013 and also served as President from 1992 to 1997. Despite his ongoing legal challenges, he was re-elected as a lawmaker for the center-right Democratic Party in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The United States government imposed sanctions on Berisha and his close family members in May 2021, followed by similar action from the United Kingdom in July 2022, banning them from entering both countries due to allegations of corruption. Corruption has been a persistent challenge for Albania since the downfall of its communist regime in 1990, greatly impacting the country’s political landscape.
Alongside Berisha, former President Ilir Meta and several members of Berisha’s opposition coalition have also faced detention and investigations related to corruption charges. Both Meta and Berisha assert that these charges are politically motivated and accuse the current government of engaging in corrupt practices.
Last October, Albania commenced full membership negotiations with the European Union concerning the alignment of its legal framework with EU standards regarding the rule of law, democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption. Prime Minister Rama has indicated that Albania aims for EU membership by the year 2030.
As the trial unfolds, it stands as a significant moment in Albania's political history, reflecting ongoing tensions between the government and opposition, as well as the country's relentless struggle against corruption, a critical issue that continues to hinder its progress in democratic development.
