Sali Berisha charged with corruption over property deal in Albania

Sali Berisha, the former Prime Minister of Albania, has been formally charged with corruption related to a property deal involving his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi. The charges stem from allegations that Berisha abused his position to facilitate the privatization of public land for the construction of 17 apartment buildings in Tirana. This investigation began in October, and Berisha has been under house arrest since December due to a violation of legal requirements. On Wednesday, Berisha attended the Special Structure Against and Organized Crime, where he was informed of the charges and presented with a substantial file of evidence, which he dismissed as false. Malltezi was also charged in connection with the case. The political climate surrounding these charges is tense, with Berisha claiming that the investigation is a politically motivated act of repression orchestrated by the current Prime Minister, Edi Rama. Berisha, who has a long political history, having served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013 and as President from 1992 to 1997, has faced significant political challenges. His legal troubles have led to the stripping of his parliamentary immunity, and he has been barred from international travel. The implications of these charges are significant, especially with parliamentary elections approaching in 2024, as a conviction could prevent him from running for office. The situation has garnered public attention, with supporters rallying outside the prosecutor's office, expressing solidarity with Berisha and denouncing the government. The U.S. and U.K. have previously imposed travel bans on Berisha and his family due to alleged corruption, further complicating his political future.