Majority refuses to lift Balluk's immunity, US Embassy: Independence of justice essential for cooperation with Albania in the fight against crime

The United States Embassy in Tirana has responded to News24's inquiry regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama's statements that Parliament is in no hurry to review the Special Prosecution's request to lift the immunity and arrest Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who was indicted by SPAK on charges related to multi-million euro tenders.

We recall that this request was submitted to the Assembly on December 16, 2025.

In response to News24, the US Embassy states that the impartiality of justice institutions is essential in cooperation between the two countries.

"The independence of justice institutions in Albania remains essential to continued cooperation between the United States and Albania in the fight against international crime."

But the US diplomatic mission has avoided commenting on the Balluku case, considering it a matter under investigation.

"We have no comment on pending legal matters."

A day ago, a reaction came from Brussels regarding Rama's statements regarding the Balluku issue.

"It is the responsibility of the Parliament of Albania to deal without delay with requests for the lifting of the immunity of its members. The effective fight against corruption is of essential importance for Albania's progress towards EU membership, which is also the expectation of its citizens."

The US, but also the European Union, have supported the Justice Reform from the outset and subsequently the establishment of new justice institutions. Support has been continuous for the work of the Special Prosecutor's Office of the Kosovo Criminal Court and the National Bureau of Investigation, with an emphasis on the fight against corruption and crime.

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