Ex-Albanian PM faces bid to reinstate house arrest in corruption case

TIRANA, January 3, 2025 – Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha could be back under house arrest if prosecutors get their way today.

SPAK, the country’s anti-corruption body, is pushing for a court ruling to detain Berisha, accusing him of masterminding the shady privatisation of the Partizani sports complex. The deal allegedly paved the way for 19 luxury towers, with Berisha’s son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi among the beneficiaries.

Berisha was freed in November after 11 months in isolation. But prosecutors say his release was premature, insisting the court must reverse its decision. Judge Engert Pllumbi will hear the case this morning.

Others facing charges include businessman Fatmir Bektashi and financial expert Andia Pustina, accused of managing the project’s legal and financial operations. The probe is part of a wider investigation into Berisha’s family wealth.

The former leader, labelled “non grata” by the U.S., denies the allegations.