In a recent development in Albania, the Special Court against Organized Crime and Corruption revoked the house arrest order for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Following the decision, Berisha did not miss the opportunity to proclaim the court’s ruling as a monumental victory for the opposition and a supposed triumph of democracy. Yet, a closer examination reveals a starkly different reality—one of legal necessity rather than a heroic vindication.
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| Berisha speaking from the balcony of his house when he was under house arrest |
Berisha’s house arrest was not linked to any legal absolution of his alleged crimes but stemmed from his failure to comply with court-mandated obligations. Specifically, the former prime minister repeatedly refused to appear before judicial police as required, a clear breach of the conditions set by the judiciary. This blatant disregard for the law inevitably escalated to house arrest. His eventual release, then, is not a triumph but a procedural correction following his attorneys’ legal appeals.
Despite this, Berisha has masterfully spun the narrative, presenting his release as a victory for justice and a blow to his political opponents. Addressing his supporters, he framed the court’s decision as proof of the rule of law and constitutional triumph. However, this rhetoric is nothing more than a calculated deflection from his legal troubles and accusations of corruption.
Among the most serious allegations against Berisha are those tied to the privatization of the former sports club Partizani. Prosecutors have outlined a case suggesting Berisha exploited his position to favor his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, in acquiring the lucrative property. The site, once home to a historic sports complex, now hosts a sprawling residential development—a stark testament to how public assets have allegedly been transformed into personal wealth through questionable means.
For months, Berisha ignored judicial orders, framing them as unconstitutional and politically motivated. His defiance culminated in the imposition of house arrest, a situation he later described as a persecution orchestrated by Prime Minister Edi Rama. Even after his release, Berisha continued this narrative, claiming moral and legal victory while ignoring the core issue: his initial disregard for the law and the underlying corruption allegations.
Berisha’s grandstanding also included public gratitude towards the judge who reversed his house arrest, painting her decision as a moral vindication rather than a legal one. In reality, this decision reflects adherence to due process, not absolution. Meanwhile, the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) remains steadfast in its case, announcing plans to appeal the decision and intensify its efforts to hold Berisha accountable.
The media spectacle surrounding Berisha’s release serves his agenda well. By rallying supporters, holding fiery speeches, and framing himself as a hero of resistance, Berisha attempts to obscure the reality of his position: an embattled former leader facing serious accusations of corruption and abuse of power. His failure to respect court rulings underscores a pattern of placing himself above the law—a troubling legacy for a figure who once held the nation’s highest office.
As his supporters celebrate this "victory," it is essential for the Albanian public to remember that compliance with legal procedures is not heroism; it is the bare minimum in a democratic society. Sali Berisha’s narrative may serve his political ambitions, but it does little to absolve him of the corruption allegations that continue to haunt him. For a man who claims to champion justice, Berisha’s actions reveal a fundamental disregard for the very principles he purports to defend.