The Ombudsman has concluded that the arrest of former President Ilir Meta was undignified. Meta and the person who was with him were not informed of any court decision or prosecutorial order, but were forcibly removed, without the opportunity to communicate with the defense attorney, according to the findings of the Ombudsman.
The document states that the police officers did not register former President Ilir Meta as an escorted citizen and kept Mr. Artemis Peca handcuffed in the escort premises of the Tirana Police Department. The police officers did not have body cameras and did not have the distinctive "Police" sign on the front.
Given these violations, Erinda Ballanca recommends to Police Chief Ilir Proda to identify the responsible persons and take measures to ensure that such situations do not recur.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Taking the necessary measures by the General Directorate of the State Police to analyze the case in an in-depth, objective and professional manner, regarding the findings of the People's Advocate regarding the execution of the order of the SPAK prosecutors and the involvement of the Special Operational Force during the escort of Mr. Ilir Meta and Mr. Artemis Peca.
2. Objective assessment of the degree of social danger of citizens against whom there is a criminal decision to be executed, by assigning the relevant forces according to the by-laws in force.
3. Reflecting the relevant changes in bylaws regarding the standard procedures for wearing and using the State Police uniform, specifically regarding the identification number and the inscription "Police" on the front of the body.
4. Issuance of a bylaw to equip police officers who carry out detentions/arrests/escorts with body cameras, as well as their storage and maintenance for transparency and public trust.
5. Immediate information of the rights of detained/arrested persons and guaranteeing the right to communicate with the defense attorney.
6. Respecting and guaranteeing the rights of persons escorted to police premises, by providing them with the relevant documentation indicating the reason for the escort, the minutes and the charter of rights.
7. Taking measures against employees who have used handcuffs in violation of the law.
8. Identification and administrative liability of employees who did not register former President Ilir Meta as an accompanying citizen and who kept Mr. Artemis Peca in handcuffs without relevant documentation.
9. Generalizing this case in the State Police structures to prevent the recurrence of violations of citizens' rights.
Please inform us of your position and the measures you will take in implementing this recommendation within the 30-day legal deadline, provided for in Article 22 of Law No. 8454 dated 04.02.1999 "On the Ombudsman", as amended.
Trusting in your understanding and cooperation,
Erinda BALANCE
