Ilir Meta appeals suspension of pre-trial detention deadlines

The Special Court of Appeal has postponed its decision regarding an appeal by former President Ilir Meta against the suspension of pre-trial detention deadlines. The ruling is expected to be announced on September 17 at 14:00.

During the hearing, Meta’s defense argued that the decision to suspend the detention deadlines should have been a reasoned ruling rather than a simple order to allow for a proper appeal. The defense maintained that the appeal was filed within the legal timeframe and that the lower court violated Meta’s right to appeal. Meta stated that he has not missed any court sessions and that any delays in the process were not caused by him.

Conversely, SPAK prosecutor Sotir Kllapi requested that the appeal be rejected. Kllapi argued that the decision to suspend the deadlines was made on April 27, while the appeal was not submitted until July. The prosecution noted that judicial practice dictates that the absence of a single lawyer can lead to the suspension of detention deadlines for all defendants. The prosecution linked the suspension to delays caused by representation issues involving another defendant, Fatime Kryemadhi.