Sali Berisha, former prime minister and leader of Albania’s opposition, publicly named a police officer the opposition falsely accuses of trying to draw a gun on a DP MP during a scuffle outside Parliament on Thursday. However, video footage aired in most Albanian televisions clearly shows the policeman reaching for a pepper spray can after being violently attacked by opposition MPs. In a public statement, Police confirmed that all officers involved in the incident carried no firearms. 

Why is it important: Despite the media revealing that the accusations were false, Berisha revealed the name of the policeman to his supporters and threatened him on live TV. The attack is the latest manifestation of Berisha’s long-standing tactic of intimidating media or officials, in order to cow them or provoke unrest. 

Context: During his regular evening address to his supporters, Berisha threatened the policeman saying that “There will be no place for you on this earth! No one will protect you.” This pattern of personal threats has been a hallmark of Berisha’s political strategy, whether in power or opposition.

Berisha was joined in his threat by his key ally, former president Ilir Meta, who called for violent resistance. In a post, on Facebook, he declared that the only solution is “to confront the regime tooth-for-tooth until it is overthrown.” Meta, like Berisha, is under investigation by SPAK and is facing mounting legal troubles.

The pressure on Berisha is increasing as SPAK’s investigation into him and his son-in-law has been completed, and their trial will begin soon. Both remain under house arrest, adding further strain to the opposition. Berisha and his entire family have also been blacklisted by the U.S. and U.K., accused of corruption and links to organized crime. Once a key figure in Albania’s political scene, he now faces criticism from former allies like Germany’s CDU, who accuse him of stoking conflict for the sake of his personal problems.

Parliamentary fallout: In reaction to the violence in Parliament the majority is moving to ban opposition deputies Elda Hoti and Petrit Doda from participating in committee work and plenary sessions. Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali warned that violence, threats, and physical confrontations will not be tolerated in the assembly.