Protest planned as Berisha faces SPAK hearing

The Democratic Party in Albania is organizing a protest on Monday morning to support its leader, Sali Berisha, as he appears in court.

Jan 4, 2025- The protest will start at 9:30 a.m. outside SPAK, Albania’s anti-corruption agency. Berisha must attend the hearing after a court ruling required him to report twice a month as part of an ongoing investigation.

The Democratic Party sent a message to supporters, accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama of using SPAK to attack political opponents. “Join us in defending justice, the law, and the truth, which stand with our leader, Sali Berisha,” the message said.

Berisha, a former prime minister, claims the charges are politically motivated. The government denies this and insists SPAK operates independently.

Supporters are expected to gather in large numbers to show solidarity with Berisha. Protests have become more frequent in recent months as tensions rise between the opposition and the ruling Socialist Party.