Albanian Parliament Strips Former PM Berisha of Legal Immunity

The move paves the way for Berisha's arrest on corruption charges, sparking protests and claims of political witch-hunting.

Albania's parliament has voted to strip former Prime Minister Sali Berisha of his legal immunity, paving the way for his arrest on corruption charges.
Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, are accused of 'passive corruption' dating back to 2008, involving the privatisation of sports facilities and alleged kickbacks amounting to €5.4m.
Berisha, who denies the charges, has called the investigation a 'political witch-hunt' by current Prime Minister Edi Rama and has rallied his supporters in protest.
The decision to strip Berisha of his immunity was passed by 75 votes to 65, amidst protests both inside and outside the parliament building.
Berisha, who served as Albania's prime minister from 2005-2013 and as president from 1992-1997, faces a potential prison sentence of up to 12 years if found guilty.