Albanian parliament allows special prosecution to arrest former president
Former President Sali Berisha charged with favoring son-in-law in privatization of state land
Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha
BELGRADE, Serbia
The Albanian parliament voted Thursday to remove legal immunity for former President and Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who currently leads the opposition Democratic Party and is facing corruption allegations.
The ruling Socialist Party gained the support of 75 lawmakers in the 140-seat parliament to pass the request from prosecutors to lift Berisha immunity.
The decision paves the way for prosecutors to pursue court approval for Berisha’s arrest or placement under house arrest.
Berisha, 79, was charged with favoring his son-in-law in the privatization of state land during his term as prime minister.
During the session, opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote and attempted to disrupt proceedings by gathering chairs and flares.
Berisha chose not to address the assembly.
Albania’s Special Prosecution Office formally asked Dec. 12 for the removal of the parliamentary immunity granted to Berisha to allow him to be placed under house arrest.
Berisha denies the charges and said the move is illegal and politically motivated.
He accused his political rival, Prime Minister Edi Rama, of trying to eliminate opposition from parliament.
Berisha served as prime minister between 2005 and 2013 and as president from 1992 and 1997.
The US banned Berisha and his immediate family from entering due to their alleged involvement in corruption in 2021.
