Sali Berisha gains freedom as court releases him from house arrest

In Tirana, Albania, former Prime Minister Sali Berisha was released from house arrest on November 27, 2024, by the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime. This court is responsible for handling cases involving senior officials and politicians accused of misconduct. Berisha had been under house arrest for nearly a year following the revocation of his parliamentary immunity in December 2023, which occurred after he failed to comply with a court order demanding he report bi-weekly. He had also faced a travel ban, which was recently rescinded by Albania's Constitutional Court. The release followed significant public support as hundreds of his followers gathered outside the Democratic Party headquarters to celebrate. Many supporters viewed his legal troubles as politically motivated actions by the ruling Socialist government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his house arrest, Berisha remained at his apartment in downtown Tirana but managed to rally support through speeches to small crowds gathered outside. Given his history as the leader of the main opposition party, the charges against him have led to ongoing protests from members of the Democratic Party and their allies. The opposition has called for the establishment of a caretaker government to lead the country towards free elections, especially with parliamentary elections anticipated in the spring of 2025. Berisha, who served as Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013 and as President from 1992 to 1997, continues to assert that the corruption allegations against him are intended to undermine his political influence and that he remains committed to his party's agenda of governance reform. The contentious political climate reflects underlying tensions between the opposition and the current government, particularly regarding broader concerns over corruption and the rule of law within the country. As Albania seeks to align itself with the European Union, the political ramifications of these events will be watched closely by both domestic and international observers.