Berisha accuses Rama of fearing Veliaj’s testimony
Opposition leader Sali Berisha has accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of being afraid that Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj will testify about his involvement in corruption before the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). In a press conference, Berisha alleged that Rama is using the case to dismantle justice reform. However, Berisha faces criticism for his inconsistent treatment of SPAK. While he has viciously attacked the agency whenever it has investigated him or those close to him, he has praised it when its actions have served his political interests.
Why is this important: Berisha has declared repeatedly that, if he returns to power, he will dismantle the current justice reform, taking the case to the Venice Commission. He has accused SPAK of being a “criminal organization” and called its head, Altin Dumani, “the leader of organized crime.” However, Berisha’s approval of SPAK’s actions against Veliaj exposes what many critics see as his double standards. Berisha’s past attacks have aimed to discredit SPAK and intimidate it into not focusing too much on cases such as January 21 (involving the killing of protesters) and the Gërdec munitions explosion, where his son, Shkëlzen Berisha, is alleged to be implicated.
Context: Berisha has adjusted his stance on individual SPAK prosecutors to fit his narrative. He singled out prosecutor Ols Dado, who co-signed Veliaj’s arrest warrant, for praise, even though Berisha had previously criticized him for allegedly favoring criminals. In contrast, Berisha maintained his harsh rhetoric against Altin Dumani, head of SPAK.
“When I say SPAK is a criminal organization, I don’t mean every member. Absolutely not. I refer to those who cover up crimes and have been compromised. Why should I equate Altin Dumani with Ols Dado? I won’t. Because Dado signed [the arrest order],” Berisha said.
Berisha also claimed that Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku could be the next target of SPAK investigations. He repeated his demand for Rama’s resignation, calling him unfit to hold any government position.
Go deeper
SPAK Chief defends electoral crime task force amid growing backlash
Published on February 21, 2025
Why is this important: The SPAK strategy is the latest move by the institution to ignite intense political and legal debate over the boundaries of its authority. While some civil society actors have expressed support, the task force—set to deploy prosecutors and investigators in the field during the electoral campaign—has drawn sharp criticism from politicians and jurists who argue it constitutes an overreach into political affairs and an infringement on citizens’ political rights. Prime Minister Edi Rama has openly opposed the initiative, calling it a “lapse in judgment” and insisting that political parties cannot be placed under surveillance during an election period. Others have pointed out that surveillance and prevention fall within the constitutional mandate of the police and intelligence services, not prosecutors.
PM Rama meets Tirana Municipality staff, condemns gathering outside SPAK and pledges full support
Published on February 21, 2025
Why is this important: Both SPAK and the Special Court (GJKKO) reacted to the gathering of Veliaj’s supporters outside their buildings, claiming that such actions intimidate judges and prosecutors. They also accused the police of failing to intervene, while law enforcement responded that it was a spontaneous gathering, not an officially planned protest.
PM lashes out at SPAK about election surveillance
Published on February 20, 2025
Why is this important: SPAK has created a special task force, split into two investigative teams, tasked with preventing and investigating electoral crimes before and after the May 11 elections. These teams will be deployed in all 12 electoral districts of Albania. This on-the-ground investigation approach is unprecedented, as prosecutors will be actively present during the campaign period where political parties hold their activities. While SPAK claims the initiative aims to combat vote-buying, critics argue it positions the anti-corruption body as an actor in the electoral campaign, rather than an impartial observer.