Albania’s Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime has referred to trial a case against former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who is under investigation for alleged corruption tied to a disputed privatization.
The court accepted a request from the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) to proceed with charges against Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, who faces additional charges of money laundering. A trial date is expected to be set in the coming days.
Berisha, also leader of the opposition Democratic Party, has been under a court order to report to judicial police and is banned from leaving the country. The case has triggered political tensions and street protests.
The investigation centers on the privatization of former military sports facilities in Tirana. Authorities allege the process was manipulated to benefit Malltezi, causing financial harm to the state.
Berisha has denied wrongdoing and described the case as politically motivated.
