Democratic Party has questioned why the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has not renewed its request for parliamentary authorization to arrest former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, following the expansion of criminal allegations against her.

Gazment Bardhi, head of the Democratic Party's parliamentary group, reacted to a report by Report TV concerning cash allegedly discovered inside a villa prosecutors claim is effectively owned by Balluku.

In a statement published on social media, Bardhi called on the justice system to apply equal standards to all public officials, arguing that the former deputy prime minister continues to exert influence over public decision-making despite facing serious criminal allegations.

Bardhi questioned why SPAK has not approached Parliament for authorization to arrest Balluku, particularly following what he described as an escalation of the charges against her.

According to Bardhi, Balluku faces allegations involving 15 criminal episodes linked to five criminal offenses, including corruption and money laundering.

He also raised concerns about potential risks of witness intimidation and interference with evidence, questioning why she remains at liberty while the investigation proceeds.

The opposition lawmaker recalled that SPAK had previously approached Parliament seeking the lifting of Balluku's parliamentary immunity and authorization for her arrest, at an earlier stage of the investigation.