Albania's opposition clashes in parliament over jailed lawmaker

On Monday, Albanian opposition lawmakers violently disrupted a Parliament session in Tirana to protest the imprisonment of fellow legislator Ervin Salianji, who was sentenced to a year in prison for slander. The conservative Democratic Party of Albania accused the ruling Socialist Party of manipulating the judiciary and has been staging protests since 2013. The opposition's actions included shoving microphones off tables, hurling objects, and burning chairs, claiming Salianji's sentence was politically motivated. Salianji's legal troubles began in 2018 when he demanded the resignation of the then-interior minister after a video surfaced alleging illegal activities involving the minister's brother. The evidence presented was later found to be fabricated, leading to Salianji's slander charges. Following the appeals court's confirmation of his sentence, he now plans to petition the supreme court while incarcerated. Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali condemned the violent protests, stating they showed disrespect for citizens and democratic institutions. Meanwhile, opposition leader Sali Berisha, currently under house arrest for corruption charges, framed the protests as the beginning of a struggle to reclaim power ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. The opposition has faced internal divisions, particularly after Berisha and his family were barred from entering the U.S. and U.K. due to corruption allegations. The ruling Socialists hold a significant majority in Parliament, making it challenging for the opposition to influence legislation. Albania's ongoing battle with corruption continues to hinder its democratic and economic progress.