Albania’s former president Ilir Meta arrested over corruption charges – Firstpost

Albania’s former president Ilir Meta has been detained by police on corruption charges, his spokesman and lawyer said on Monday.

Meta’s spokesperson Tedi Blushi told a news conference that the arrest was “inappropriate” and that it would be “condemned by all patriotic and honest Albanians.”

Blushi referred to images shown by local media of police in masks stopping a black car and apparently taking out Meta, who appeared to resist. Reuters has not verified the images.

“This government will pay the price in every street and square,” Blushi said, when asked if there would be protests from Meta’s supporters.

There was no immediate comment from SPAK, a special prosecutor’s office set up to fight corruption and organized crime, but the Tirana-based online media reporter said Meta was accused of corruption, money laundering and hiding his wealth. Other media reported the same allegations.

Meta’s lawyer, Genci Gjokutaj, confirmed that the arrest was due to allegations of corruption, which he said he denied. He did not provide further details.

Meta, 55, was president from 2017 to 2022 and previously served as prime minister and speaker of parliament.

He is not the only opposition figure facing criminal charges.

On September 30, supporters of the main opposition group, the Democratic Party, set fire to wooden chairs outside parliament in protest after one of the politicians, Ervin Salianji, was jailed for a year on charges he described as politically motivated.

Earlier in September, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha was charged with corruption over actions he took while prime minister. Berisha also denies all allegations.

The Democratic Party accuses current Prime Minister Edi Raman of orchestrating the persecution of its members. Rama denies these accusations.