Albania's Assembly Sends SPAK Decision to Authorise Berisha Arrest

A few hours after Albania's Parliament approved 75 pro-election SPAK for the arrest of MP Sali Berisha, it has sent the decision formally announcing the removal of the former prime minister's immunity.

“The Special Prosecutor against Corruption and Organised Crime, we're sending to you: Decision no. 127/2023 “For the prosecution's request: Task against corruption and organised crime. Tirana, for granting authorisation for the arrest/releasing of MP Sali Berisha's freedom by replacing the security measure. We also forward the recommendation report to MPs of the parliamentary majority, Council for Order, Mandat and Immmity members, and the recommendation report by MP Enkeleed Alibeaj, a member of the Council for Order, Mandat and Immunity. Thanks to your co-operation”- it says in the document.

“For the request of the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor and Organised Crime, Tirana, for granting authorisation for the arrest/remoting of MP Sali Berisha's freedom through security measures. In support of Article 73, Article 2, of the Constitution, Article 288 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Article 118, points 4 and 5, and 55 of the Parliament's regulation, at the recommendation of the Council for Order, Mandat and Immunity, the Parliament of the Republic of Albania decided:

1. Accepting the request of the Special Prosecutor against Corruption and Organised Crime, Tirana, for granting authorisation from the Republic of Albania's Parliament for the arrest of MP Sali Berisha's freedom by replacing the security measure.

2. This decision immediately comes into force”, reportedly in the decision that holds the firm of Albanian Parliament Speaker Lindita Nikolla.

Currently, the SPAK has all the means needed to proceed with the arrest or removal of MP Sali Berisha's freedom through security measures.

What could happen after Thursday?

A house-house or house-house office, these are Sali Berisha's two scenarios to challenge once again the expected measure of domestic arrest that the SPAK could impose. So he can be arrested at the Democratic Party headquarters. The former prime minister has put some ideas on how he will face justice on the case “Partizan” that is suspected of passive corruption. Top Channel has learned from official confidential sources that one of Berisha's ongoing approaches is to turn his office into a blue headquarters into an isolation room where he will serve his sentence.

Berisha's work office could change with the order of the judges' move. In the event of agreement between Berisha and supporters on the idea, furniture will have to be added to the office. There will be not only a table of files and chairs as well as a waiting couch, but space should be created for Berisha's bed. This is seen as a good option from the re-founding with the delivery of headquarters addresses as residence, while even the OPGs found it difficult to find a fixed flat owned by Berisha to communicate the measure of restrictions on freedom.

Another option is thought to be the return of the family home where he lives to an office. Berisha himself has warned that whatever the SPAK decision, he will not give up the leadership of the Democratic Party. Just as he has refused to appear in court hearings against him, Berisha may not accept implementation of the sentence and toughen measures in prison arrest, despite crossing 70 years of age. But even though these are not the best days for Berisha, he is not hesitant Friday when his arrest is expected to be announced, to invite journalists to a party meeting for the end of his office. /tch/