Former Albanian President Ilir Meta was arrested in Tirana on Tuesday on suspected money-laundering and corruption charges, as well as hiding personal income following a visit to Kosovo. State police, wearing black masks, stopped Meta's car and apprehended him, citing the necessity to use force.
The arrest, conducted after a five-year investigation by Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime, has raised concerns about political instability in the Balkans, a region with a history of ethnic divisions. Meta's statement following his arrest hinted at political motivations behind the move.
Albania's opposition has accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of politicizing the judiciary and law enforcement to target political opponents. Observers have expressed worries about the authoritarian direction of Rama's government and the potential weaponization of law enforcement.
Meta, who was president from 2017 to 2022 and now leads the opposition Freedom Party, has been critical of Rama's administration, alleging increasing corruption and authoritarianism. Corruption in Albania, particularly within the judiciary, remains a pervasive issue, with courts often under political influence.
The arrest of Meta and another political figure, Sali Berisha, has drawn attention to concerns about the rule of law in Albania. The U.S. State Department has expressed support for Albania's efforts to combat high-level corruption and organized crime.
Albania's political landscape is fraught with tensions as rivalries between key figures like Meta and Rama continue to escalate. The region's delicate balance of power and the influence of authoritarian leaders pose challenges to democratic processes and European integration efforts.
The arrest of Meta and the broader implications for Albania's political future underscore the complexities of governance and the rule of law in the Balkans, where competing interests and power struggles often overshadow progress towards stability and transparency.
