An Albanian court commenced proceedings on Monday against former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, on corruption charges, according to AP News.
The trial, taking place at the Special Court for Corruption and Organised Crime which handles cases involving senior officials and politicians, also includes Berisha’s son-in-law and three other individuals.
Berisha, 80, reported to the prosecutor’s office on Monday as mandated every fortnight but did not attend the court session personally, being represented instead by his legal counsel. Regarding his absence, he informed journalists:
My presence or not is set from my lawyers and naturally in line with the laws. That is a session where my lawyers will present their claims.
Prosecutors initially placed Berisha under investigation in October 2023. They allege he abused his position to assist his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, in privatising public land to construct 17 apartment buildings in the capital, Tirana.
Formal corruption charges relating to this property deal were brought against him in September 2024. Berisha has consistently denied all allegations, characterising them as “political repression” ordered by Socialist Party’s Prime Minister, Edi Rama.
Berisha, a dominant figure in Albanian politics, served as President from 1992 to 1997 and later as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013. He was re-elected as a lawmaker for the Democratic Party in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The trial unfolds against a backdrop where corruption remains a major issue in Albania, persistently hindering the country since the collapse of its communist government in 1990.
Berisha is not alone amongst high-profile figures facing such accusations. Former President Ilir Meta and members of Berisha’s opposition coalition have also been detained and investigated on corruption charges. Both Berisha and Meta maintain the charges are politically motivated and accuse the government itself of corruption.
Internationally, the United States government barred Berisha and close family members from entry in May 2021, followed by the United Kingdom imposing a similar ban in July 2022. Both nations cited his alleged involvement in corruption as the reason.
The legal process comes at a time when Albania pursues its ambition of joining the European Union. Tirana commenced full membership negotiations with Brussels in October last year, focusing heavily on aligning with EU standards concerning the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions, and the fight against corruption.
