Former Albanian President Ilir Meta denounces politicized trial at GJKKO

Ilir Meta, Albania’s former president, testified before the Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), asserting that the case against him is being politicised and that prosecutors are manipulating evidence. He said the only payment to the McKeon Group was a court‑approved $15,000 transaction, yet the prosecutor’s office presented a September US‑based letter alleging illicit meetings and payments, followed by a November clarification that was not disclosed to him until later.

Meta also condemned his detention in a glass cell, describing it as a breach of human dignity and due‑process standards. Citing the Albanian Helsinki Committee’s assessment, he argued that the use of glass cells during pre‑trial detention is not grounded in law and contravenes the principles of a regular judicial process. He called for an end to this practice for all detainees in Albania, emphasizing the need for equality before the law and protection of fundamental rights.