The substantive trial of former President Ilir Meta has begun at GJKKO, marking his first public appearance before the media since his arrest in October 2024.
During the session, Meta spoke briefly from the secure area in the courtroom, leveling direct accusations at the justice system. He described the process as unfair and, in his view, built on slander and manipulation, while emphasizing that transparency is essential for the public.
The former president requested that court hearings be broadcast live, considering this a way to ensure accountability to citizens. He had previously made this request through a public statement, stressing the importance of opening the process to public opinion.
In today's session, the court is expected to rule on a request for a shortened trial for some of the other defendants involved in the case. Among them are Fatime Kryemadhi and Ema Çokun, accused of money laundering, as well as former AKEP head Pirro Xhixho, who faces corruption charges.
SPAK has charged Meta with corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets in connection with cases known as CEZ-DIA and lobbying activities in the USA. The same investigation also involves his ex-wife, Monika Kryemadhi, who has been placed under the obligation to report to authorities.
According to the prosecution, Meta and Kryemadhi are suspected of using political influence to favor certain entities in exchange for financial benefits, building schemes for money laundering and asset concealment.
In March of this year, when the case was sent for trial, the defendants requested its dismissal, claiming a lack of criminal offense, or alternatively, a return for further investigations. The court's upcoming decisions are expected to determine the further course of this high-public-interest process.