A preliminary hearing is being held at the premises of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime against the former President of the Republic and leader of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta.
Before the judge of the preliminary hearing, Irena Gjoka, Meta presented his position regarding the charges brought by the prosecution. In his speech, he described the process as legally unfounded, stating that during the three hearings “a political pamphlet, without legal and judicial architecture” was presented. According to him, the case is based on “lies and falsifications”, while the 16-month detention was used as a “means of political and human persecution”.
Regarding the charges of false declaration and laundering of proceeds of crime, Meta denied the allegations, saying that he has been a declaring subject since March 22, 1992 and that, according to him, there are no undeclared expenses. He objected to the financial expertise presented by the prosecution, considering it illegal and in conflict of interest, and requested the authorization of an independent financial expertise for the period 1992–2023.
Regarding the CEZ-DIA case, Meta stated that his name is not mentioned at any stage of the judicial process that has ended with a final decision, including the decision of the Supreme Court.
The former President also raised concerns about the conditions of detention at the IEPV "Jordan Misja", claiming that he has not been served with the verdict for the July 2, 2025 sentence and that his air and communication have been restricted. According to him, interviews with journalists, visits from MPs and MEPs, as well as communication with the Secretary General of the Freedom Party, Tedi Blushi, have been prevented.
The preliminary hearing continues, and the court is expected to decide on the parties' requests regarding the validity of the acts and whether or not to proceed with the case for trial.
