Albania’s top court has rejected ex-president Ilir Meta’s bid for freedom, keeping him locked up as corruption charges loom over him. His wife, MP Monika Kryemadhi, remains under a court-ordered reporting obligation.
Meta, arrested last October, faces allegations of bribery, money laundering, and hiding assets. The case spans high-profile deals, from a dodgy energy contract to mysterious U.S. lobbying payments. Investigators also suspect illicit money was used to buy a luxury apartment in Tirana and cover undeclared medical bills.
In a fiery audio message, Meta blasted the ruling as a “fake obstacle,” vowing to take his fight to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. He accused PM Edi Rama’s government of political persecution, claiming prosecutors act on his orders to crush opposition ahead of May’s elections.
His lawyer slammed the decision, arguing Meta poses zero risk to the case, as all evidence is already gathered.
