Oct 23, 2022 – The United States voiced support for Albania’s fight against high-level corruption following the arrest of former President Ilir Meta. A spokesperson for the US State Department said on Tuesday that Washington is closely monitoring the case and backs the country’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law.
“We are aware of the arrest. We refer you to the Albanian authorities for further details regarding the case. The United States supports Albania’s progress toward the rule of law, including SPAK’s efforts to prosecute high-level corruption and organized crime in accordance with the law,” the spokesperson said in a statement to Voice of America.
Meta, the current leader of the Freedom Party, was arrested on Monday after the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) launched an investigation. He faces charges of passive corruption, money laundering, and concealing assets. His arrest marks a significant development in Albania’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts.
Meta’s former wife and fellow Freedom Party official, Monika Kryemadhi, has been placed under a mandatory appearance order. Additionally, Pirro Xhixho has been put under house arrest, while Ema Chokun also faces a mandatory appearance order.
Meta’s lawyer, Genc Gjokutaj, described the charges as politically motivated. “The accusations are baseless, and the arrest was carried out for political purposes,” Gjokutaj told reporters after meeting with his client.
Opposition politicians have echoed these concerns, accusing Prime Minister Edi Rama of orchestrating a political attack on Meta and his allies.
Meta, Kryemadhi, and their co-defendants are due to appear in court on Wednesday for a hearing on their security measures.
The arrest of the former president has drawn widespread attention, with public figures and politicians offering contrasting views on the event. SPAK has accused Meta and Kryemadhi of engaging in corrupt practices and money laundering dating back 15 years, in collaboration with other public officials.
Earlier on Tuesday, Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha defended the police action, rejecting claims that the arrest was a “kidnapping in banditry,” as Meta’s supporters alleged. Hoxha stated that the arrest was conducted in line with legal procedures, but that Meta had resisted officers during his detention.
Meta’s detention is seen as a test for Albania’s institutions, particularly the independence of SPAK, which has been tasked with investigating high-profile cases of corruption and organized crime in the country.
