The Parliament of Albania on Thursday voted to reject a request by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) seeking authorization to arrest Deputy Prime Minister and lawmaker Belinda Balluku.

During the plenary session of the Parliament of Albania, a total of 82 lawmakers voted against the request, while 47 opposition MPs supported SPAK’s motion.

Although the ruling Socialist Party of Albania holds 83 seats in parliament, four majority lawmakers did not take part in the vote.

Among them was Balluku herself, who was not present in the chamber. Lawmaker Elisa Spiropali was also absent and did not provide a public explanation for her absence.

Meanwhile, MP Fatmir Xhafaj stated that he is currently outside Albania, while MP and minister Blendi Gonxhja was not present as he is in France.

Lawmakers from the Social Democratic Party of Albania also joined the majority in voting against the request.