Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the rejection of prosecutors’ request to arrest former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku is a “closed issue,” emphasizing that the decision does not prevent ongoing investigations.

Speaking after the vote in the Parliament of Albania, Rama said lawmakers acted responsibly when they refused to authorize the arrest request submitted by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime.

“The refusal to authorize an arrest does not prevent the prosecution from continuing the investigation or requesting other measures,” Rama said, stressing that “the investigation continues and justice is not obstructed.”

The prime minister argued that individuals should not be treated as instruments in the fight against corruption, particularly in cases where there are no accusations of personal financial gain or corruption.

Rama also pointed to concerns over the high number of pretrial detainees in Albania’s prison system, saying that about 58% of inmates have not yet been tried. According to him, this has raised alarms within the Council of Europe.

He noted that while prosecutors have the right to investigate suspicions, restricting a person’s freedom—especially through arrest—should be a last resort and not the first measure taken during an investigation.

Balluku is under investigation over allegations related to violations of equality in public tenders dating back several years. Rama said the case does not involve accusations of corruption, embezzlement, or any evidence of being caught in flagrante.

The prime minister also rejected claims that the parliamentary decision could harm Albania’s path toward membership in the European Union, insisting that the country’s integration process remains on track.