Other threats to journalists by Sali Berisha, Tirana, 18.09.2024

Translations: Tirana 

On September 11, 2024, the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in Albania concluded its investigation and formally charged former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his son-in-law, Jamarbër Malltezi, with corruption. The charges are related to the privatization of the Partizani Club sports grounds in Tirana, a case that has garnered significant attention due to its political ramifications. 

Berisha responded to these charges by dismissing them as politically motivated, claiming that they were part of a broader effort by Prime Minister Edi Rama to eliminate political opposition. He described the 500-page indictment as filled with falsehoods and accused SPAK of being used as a political tool. 

On 18th September, Berisha further escalated his rhetoric by accusing certain journalists of being manipulated by SPAK and threatening to treat them as “members of a criminal organization”. 

Full declaration: “But since I’m on this topic, I have a sincere request for journalists. I greatly appreciate their engagement in the debate on this file and everything else, and I assure them that they always have my respect, regardless of the editorial line they may follow. However, in this case, I need to tell journalists two things. I observe that here and there, some of them are being extremely misused by SPAK. They are being misused because they are genuinely held hostage, and I will prove this to them. With that said, I tell you this; I will treat them as members of the criminal organization, SPAK of the party. As for the others who are professionals and contribute every day, I believe that it is within their dignity to muster the courage, when they read passages from this pyramid of deceit, to ask questions to Sali Berisha, Jamarbër Malltezi, as it is part of the journalists’ code to seek the truth. We are ready to answer any questions they may have so that they do not become victims of misuse of a purely political crime material.”

Sali Berisha’s rhetoric against the media extends beyond criticism, implying a demand for conformity to his narrative. He suggests that only his version of events, along with that of his son-in-law and allies, is legitimate and that journalists should align their reporting accordingly. Those who do not are labeled as adversaries and threatened with being treated as part of a “criminal organization.”

Berisha’s attacks on SPAK and the media raise serious concerns about press freedom in Albania. His rhetoric aims to delegitimize the investigation and incite hostility toward the media, which plays a key role in maintaining transparency and accountability. This case underscores the ongoing challenges to media freedom and political interference in Albania, as SPAK, despite political controversies, remains one of the most trusted institutions in the country.

Sources:

https://vna.al/sali-berisha-sulmon-gazetaret-cfare-e-shqeteson-ish-kryeministrin/

https://www.reporter.al/2024/09/11/spak-merr-te-pandehur-ish-kryeministrin-sali-berisha/ 

https://www.occrp.org/en/news/former-albanian-pm-indicted-for-corruption 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/gc5XaxbQQeASQaRC/?mibextid=qi2Omg 

https://lapsi.al/2024/09/18/berisha-thirrje-gazetareve-mos-u-beni-papagalle-te-spak/