TIRANA, March 16 (ATA) – The DP chairman Sali Berisha appeared on Monday before the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), complying with a security measure requiring him to report regularly in connection with the “Partizani” case.
Berisha was greeted outside the special prosecution office by a group of supporters and several Democratic Party lawmakers.
The former prime minister faces corruption charges, while his son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi and businessman Fatmir Bektashi are accused of involvement in corruption and illegal activities linked to money laundering.
After leaving SPAK, Berisha told reporters he had conveyed a message to prosecutors, declaring: “Justice and the law may be delayed, but they do not forget.”
Berisha went on to question the performance of judicial bodies, saying the Prosecutor General, the High Judicial Council (KLGJ) and the High Justice Inspectorate (ILD) had failed to defend the institutions against Prime Minister Rama’s criticism. He described their leaders as “officials lacking the courage to stand up for the institutions.”
Berisha also touched on the case of judge Irena Gjoka, saying it took the Prosecutor General two years to issue a decision on a matter that, in his view, was clear within the first weeks.
Berisha also referred to the opposition protest planned for March 22, calling it a day of inspiration for Albanians. He said the date marks, in his view, the moment when citizens effectively voted to bring down the harshest dictatorship ever.
Berisha described March 22 as a day when Albanians are invited to their most powerful peaceful uprising ever in Tirana and across the country. He added that the doors to Europe can be opened only by Albanians themselves.
Asked about amendments proposed by the ruling majority, Berisha said they were unconstitutional. “We will never join a single vote with Edi Rama. Let that be very clear,” he concluded.
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