The two-hour questioning of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) in front of prosecutors Enkeleda Millonai and Arben Kraja regarding the investigation into the procedures followed for the privatization of the former sports complex “Partizani” has concluded.
Berisha, under investigation for corruption charges, stated to the media that his presence at the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution premises is to dismantle the pyramid of deceit built against him.
“After the meeting with the members of the structured criminal group of the Socialist Party, Altin Dumani absent, Arben Kraja present, Enkeleda Millonai present… I found a terrified group there. In an empty chair, McGonigal was standing, Edi Rama was sitting in another chair,” Berisha told reporters and supporters who were waiting for him to leave the questioning session.
“I asked why you live in such great terror here,” Berisha said, referring to the strong security measures in the institution.
“I told them Sali Berisha is here in accordance with the principle he believes in, that every person called for investigation by the investigative authorities must appear to be questioned. This has been the main purpose of the amendment to the Constitution in 2012, in which the Democratic Party, its government, made it possible to remove any obstacles to the investigation of deputies,” Berisha said.
“Secondly, I have come here, I told them, to tell you in the name of all democrats, the opposition people, all those I have denounced Edi Rama and you as his structured criminal group, as mercenaries used by him,” Berisha said.
“You, as a structured criminal group, are engaged in a battle against political pluralism in Albania, against the Albanian opposition, and I guarantee you will all receive the deserved punishment,” Berisha said.
This was the first time Berisha appeared at the Special Prosecutor’s Office premises, to be questioned by prosecutors.
What is Berisha accused of?
Berisha was accused in October 2023 of abusing his position to assist his son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi in buying land in Tirana owned by citizens and the Ministry of Defense, as well as constructing 17 residential buildings on that land.
Berisha and Malltezi have dismissed the allegations, claiming that the case against them is politically motivated by the ruling party of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the Socialist Party.
Since October, opposition Democratic Party deputies have consistently obstructed parliamentary sessions, as they call it, to prevent the highly authoritarian rule of the Socialists.
Berisha served as Prime Minister of Albania from 2005 to 2013 and as President from 1992 to 1997.
In May 2021, the United States and in July 2022, the United Kingdom banned Berisha and his close family members from traveling to these countries due to suspicions of his involvement in corruption.
