Albania's ex-president Ilir Meta faces trial over lobbying payments and court procedure dispute

Albania's Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) challenged several defense requests in the trial of former president Ilir Meta, arguing that the law mandates public court sessions but does not require live broadcasting. Prosecutor Altin Dumani said, "The law provides for public sessions, not live transmission," and prosecutor Ols Dado defended the use of a glass cage for the defendant as a guarantee, not degrading treatment.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented evidence of lobbying payments linked to Meta's former party, LSI. Contracts with U.S. lobbying firm GSIS amounted to $416,000, of which only $93,000 was paid through three invoices from LSI, the remainder traced to other accounts. The prosecution highlighted the discrepancy and described the payment method as illegal, while Meta interjected with multiple remarks about courtroom rules and the investigation.

The trial continues amid public and media scrutiny over both the procedural issues and the alleged financial misconduct.