Albania’s Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested: Money Laundering Allegations Rock Politics
Shocking Arrest Rocks Albanian Politics
Albania’s Former President Ilir Meta Arrested Amid Money Laundering Allegations
In a stunning move, Albania’s National Bureau of Investigation has arrested Ilir Meta, the country’s former president and current leader of the opposition Freedom Party. Local media reports suggest Meta is suspected of money laundering.
Charges and Potential Consequences:
– Passive bribery of a senior official
– Money laundering
– False declaration of assets
– Up to 12 years in prison if convicted
International Cooperation:
– US, Austria, Italy, San Marino, and Cyprus assist in investigation
Political Fallout:
– Meta’s arrest sparks controversy and divisions within Albanian politics
– Berisha, under house arrest, condemns arrest as “political persecution”
Background:
– Ilir Meta served as Prime Minister (1999-2002) and President (2017-2022)
– Veteran politician since Albania’s transition from communism in 1991
