Albania’s former president Ilir Meta has been arrested by police on corruption charges, his party, spokesman and lawyer announced.
Meta’s spokesman, Teddy Blusi, called the arrest “inappropriate”, saying it “will be condemned by all patriotic and honest Albanians”.
Blusi was referring to images released by local media that show masked police officers stopping a black car and pulling out Meta, who appears to be resisting.
Reuters has not verified the video.
“This government will pay the price on every street and in every square,” said Blousi, when asked if there would be protests by Meta supporters.
WATCH: Former Albanian President and Prime Minister Ilir Meta was arrested on charges of corruption, concealment of wealth and money laundering, marking the arrest of all major opposition leaders in Albania pic.twitter.com/JtU6cFbuuV
– Global Politics (@PolitlcsGlobal) October 21, 2024
There was no immediate comment from SPAK, the special prosecutor’s office to combat corruption and organized crime.
Corruption, money laundering, wealth concealment
Albanian online media outlet Reporter highlighted that Meta is accused of corruption, money laundering and hiding his wealth.
Other media outlets have reported the same allegations the former president faces.
Meta’s lawyer confirmed that the arrest was made on charges of corruption, which the former president denies.
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 30 September, supporters of the main opposition Democratic Party set fire to wooden chairs outside the Parliament building, protesting the fact that one of their politicians, Erwin Salianji, had been imprisoned for a year on charges he described as politically motivated.
They “show” Rama
In early September, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha was accused of corruption for actions he took as prime minister. Berisha also denies any wrongdoing.
The Democratic Party accuses current Prime Minister Edi Rama of orchestrating prosecutions against party members. Rama denies these accusations.