The scheduled pre-trial hearing for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and four other defendants in the “Partizani” case was postponed today. The case, which has garnered significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accusations and the individuals involved, was set back to November 25 due to procedural objections raised by the defense.

Why this matters: The decision to delay the hearing underscores ongoing procedural challenges and legal intricacies that could influence the course of justice in this significant corruption case. This postponement not only affects the accused but also highlights the judicial process’s sensitivity to legal formalities.

Key details

• Postponement Details: Originally scheduled for today, the hearing was postponed to November 25 after defense lawyers contested the validity of the notices, citing they were issued before the legal deadline had expired.
• Attendance: Businessman Fatmir Bektashi was the only defendant present in court, while others opted for representation through their attorneys alone.
• Charges and Allegations: The “Partizani” dossier, which includes 333 files, was submitted to the court on October 18 by the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK). It accuses Berisha of corruption in connection with the privatization of the “Partizani” complex, allegedly facilitated through his son-in-law Jamarbër Malltezi. Alongside them, Fatmir Bektashi is directly implicated as a co-conspirator in corruption and money laundering, with three others suspected of laundering money as well.
• Judicial Options: The judge is presented with three options moving forward: endorsing SPAK’s motion to proceed to trial, accepting the defense’s plea to dismiss the case, or ordering further investigation by returning the dossier to SPAK.

Context: The investigation into this case has been fraught with declarations of political bias and procedural disputes. Berisha and Malltezi, both placed under house arrest, have consistently denied the allegations, attributing the charges to political vendettas. Meanwhile, Bektashi faced less stringent conditions, and the other two defendants, Xhimi Begeja and Andia Pustina, have been free during the investigation. The case also involves Studio Pustina sh.p.k., a corporate entity accused of engaging in money laundering activities.