The Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime has rejected former President Ilir Meta's requests to remain outside the glass cage during the trial, as well as to broadcast the hearings live to the public.
The Freedom Party leader has repeatedly requested to stand next to his lawyer during the hearing of the case, objecting to being placed in the glass-enclosed space inside the courtroom.
Another request by Meta was to allow cameras and live broadcast of the trial, arguing that the public should be able to follow developments and become familiar with the parties' claims.
The Special Court has rejected these requests, arguing that the presence of cameras could affect the normal development of the judicial process. Meanwhile, in a previous decision, the trial panel accepted the request that the defense be given access to electronic evidence.
The trial against Ilir Meta and his ex-wife, Monika Kryemadhi, is related to investigations into the CEZ-DIA case, LSI lobbying in the United States of America, and the defendants' assets.
Meta faces charges of corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets, which he has denied. The former president has been in custody since October 2024, while his trial continues in the Special Court.
