In a significant development, an Albanian court has ordered former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, the incumbent leader of the opposition Democratic Party, to be placed under house arrest while he is investigated for alleged corruption. Berisha’s legal team has vowed to appeal the decision, arguing that the court’s ruling does not meet the legal criteria for such restrictions.

The decision comes after prosecutors requested house arrest for Berisha, 79, following his alleged violation of earlier restrictions requiring him to report to authorities every two weeks. The court also barred Berisha from traveling abroad.

Berisha’s lawyer, Genc Gjokutaj, revealed that the court has further restricted his client’s communication, limiting him to interacting only with members of his immediate family residing with him. Gjokutaj stated that he would challenge the court order, emphasizing that “none of the legal criteria required for imposing or escalating such restrictions are met in this case.”

On December 21, the Albanian parliament voted to lift Berisha’s legal immunity, a decision met with disapproval from his supporters who disrupted the session and boycotted the vote.

Berisha has vehemently criticized the investigation and his house arrest, labeling them as politically motivated acts orchestrated by Prime Minister Edi Rama. He has even threatened “powerful protests” in response to these developments.

In October, prosecutors initiated an investigation into Berisha, alleging that he abused his power to assist his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, in privatizing public land to construct 17 apartment buildings. However, formal charges have yet to be filed, and Berisha remains under investigation.

Berisha’s political career spans over two decades, having served as Albania’s Prime Minister from 2005 to 2013 and as President from 1992 to 1997. He was re-elected to the parliament in the 2021 elections.

The United States and the United Kingdom have previously denied Berisha and his close family members entry into their respective countries due to allegations of corruption.

The timing of this case coincides with Albania’s ongoing efforts to align its legal framework with the European Union’s (EU) standards as part of its accession process. This development serves as a test for Albania’s commitment to combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.