Albania’s Special Appeal Court has confirmed the detention measures for Ilir Meta, the president of the Freedom Party, and imposed a lower-level restriction on his political ally, MP Monika Kryemadhi.
The court upheld the “pre-trial detention” measure for Meta, while Kryemadhi faces an “obligation to appear” in court. The ruling follows an appeal against prior decisions by the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organised Crime, which had initially imposed these measures.
Meta and Kryemadhi are under investigation by the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) for alleged involvement in corruption, money laundering, and failure to declare assets during their time in office. SPAK prosecutors argue that the two individuals misused their political positions for personal gain, including receiving financial benefits from their associates.
Following the court’s ruling, Kryemadhi dismissed the charges, claiming that SPAK’s case was based on false documents and unsubstantiated allegations. “The prosecutors were unprepared for the evidence we presented,” she said, accusing them of attempting to manipulate financial records.
Meanwhile, Genc Gjokutaj, the lawyer representing both Meta and Kryemadhi, announced plans to challenge the ruling in the High Court, and potentially in international courts if necessary.
The Special Appeal Court’s decision is a significant development in the ongoing legal battles of high-profile political figures in Albania, highlighting ongoing efforts to address corruption at the highest levels of government.
