The Albanian Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crimes ordered house arrest for former Prime Minister and leader of the Democratic Party Sali Berisha on Saturday, following charges of “passive corruption.”

The decision was made under Article 237 of the Criminal Code. It comes as a replacement for a previous order that required Berisha appear before the police under coercive personal security measures provided by Article 234 of the Albanian Penal Code, and banned him from leaving the country, as provided by Article 233 of the Criminal Code. Judge Irena Gjoka banned Berisha in her decision from communication with other persons except those residing with him.

Albania’s parliament lifted Berisha’s immunity last week after prosecutors claimed he violated their order to regularly appear before the police. He now faces up to 12 years of imprisonment if he is found guilty of the corruption charges.

The charges against the former prime minister include using his powers as PM to corrupt senior officials in order to privatize a state-owned sports complex for the benefit of his son-in-law, Jamarber Malltezi, making it the second time he was accused of being complicit in the privatization of state-owned facilities. Interior Minister Taulant Balla denounced the leader of Democratic Party in 2020 for seeking to privatize sports fields and other facilities owned by the Defense Ministry in Tirana, Albania. Additionally, Berisha and his family were banned from entering the US in 2021 for “corrupt acts”.

Berisha reacted to the court decision in a statement on Facebook, denouncing “the isolation and removal of the right to speak”, and characterized the court decision as “blind political revenge,” accusing the current prime minister, Edi Rama, of destroying pluralism and establishing  “the most corrupt dictatorial regime in Europe and beyond.” He further stated that he will continue to fight for the restoration of democracy in Albania. He previously requested the dismissal of judge Irena Gjoka, which was rejected by the court as it constituted a conflict of interest.

In support of Berisha, members of the Democratic Party have gathered in front of his residence following the house arrest, with vice-president Luciano Boci calling on Albanians to continue their support for the restoration of political pluralism.

Both parties have five days to appeal decision to the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crimes.