Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha has been formally charged with corruption, claiming the charges are politically motivated. Berisha, 79, is accused of aiding his son-in-law in a property deal to privatize public land for personal gain. Despite being under house arrest and facing travel restrictions, Berisha denounces the charges as baseless.
The investigation, initiated under Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government, has raised questions of political bias. Berisha accuses Rama of using the legal system to silence opposition voices. Supporters gathered outside the prosecutors’ office to show solidarity with Berisha, who served as prime minister and president of Albania.
The upcoming parliamentary elections in Albania add to the significance of Berisha’s legal battle, as his potential conviction may impact his political future. International scrutiny from the US and UK further complicates Berisha’s standing, barring him and his family from entering their countries due to alleged corruption.