Argita Berisha, daughter of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, and her husband Jamarbër Malltezi have filed criminal charges against prosecutors of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) and the judges of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO). 

Why this is significant: This is an unprecedented case where accused individuals file charges against the prosecutors and judges dealing with their case while the case is ongoing. The irony is that Berisha’s daughter is seeking justice from SPAK, the very institution she and her family have repeatedly criticized as being politically controlled by Prime Minister Rama.

Context: The couple accuse the prosecutors who investigated and compiled the corruption case against Sali Berisha and Jamarbër Malltezi of “Abuse of Office,” “Arbitrary Actions,” and “Failure to Act to Prevent Illegal Situations.” Argita Berisha filed her complaint with the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office. Meanwhile. Her husband filed charges with the First Instance Prosecutor’s Office in Tirana. He claims that the prosecutors in his case – Enkeleda Millonai and Arben Kraja – engaged in “Illegal Initiation of Prosecution” and “Document Forgery.”

The case: SPAK’s 500-page file, submitted to the Special Court, accuses former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of illegally privatizing the Partizani Sports Complex. The charges outline alleged financial ties between Berisha, his family, and his associates, suggesting manipulations of the law and financial transfers for personal gain. According to the file, Berisha, while prime minister, used his political power to facilitate the privatization of the complex, making legal changes to ensure financial benefits for his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, and by extension, his daughter. Berisha has denied all allegations. Since December 30, 2023, Berisha has been under house arrest, and on September 11, he was formally charged with passive corruption of high-ranking officials.

Next steps: The complaints filed by Argita Berisha and Jamarbër Malltezi represent an unusual challenge to the prosecutorial process. The outcomes of these legal battles could influence ongoing perceptions of the judiciary and SPAK’s role in high-profile corruption cases. The irony of seeking recourse from an institution that has long been criticized by Berisha and his political allies adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing narrative of Albanian politics and justice.