A court in Albania has issued a house arrest order for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The court decision came just over a week after Berisha’s legal immunity was withdrawn by parliament.
Berisha, who represents the opposition Democratic Party, is mainly being investigated for corruption offences.
Judge Irena Gjoka approved a request from prosecutors for house arrest since Berisha had previously violated the obligation to report to authorities every two weeks. He is also not allowed to communicate with outsiders, apart from his own family.
A representative of the Democratic Party, Luciano Boci, called on party supporters to take up the fight “for political pluralism” in Albania and fight for Berisha’s freedom.
The 79-year-old former prime minister and president is accused, among other things, of helping a son-in-law gain access to land to build real estate.
No formal charges have yet been brought against Berisha.