European Forum

Ilir Meta acquitted from charges, opposition protests court ruling

On 17 January the socialist opposition leader Edi Rama criticised the Supreme Court of Albania about the acquittal of former Prime Minister Ilir Meta. Last year Meta was charged with corruption, but the Supreme Court ruled on January 16 that the charges against him could not be proven due to a lack of evidence. According to Rama the ruling “mocked the citizens of Albania and that this is another step toward an unjust regime.”

Corruption
The former Prime Minister and leader of the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) Meta resigned in January 2011 following the publication of a video allegedly showing him and the former minister of economy Dritan Prifti discussing corrupt deals. The transcripts of the videotape show Meta asking Prifti to intervene over a hydropower plant concession tender, naming an alleged recompense by a businessman of a seven per cent stake and €700,000 bribe. Meta also allegedly asks Prifti to hire activists of LSI. Furthermore, Meta brags in the videotape about influencing a Supreme Court trial over the same hydropower plant concession. Because of the allegations Meta resigned as minister of Economy, Trade and Energy, but the leader of the LSI has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and he claimed the video was fabricated.

Political crisis
As a response to the corruption scandal Rama called for a massive protest to overthrow the government of Sali Berisha, incumbent PM and leader of the Democratic Party of Albania. On 21 January 2011 an estimated 20 000 citizens gathered to demonstrate against the political leaders of Albania and calling on the conservative government to resign. The demonstrators quickly turned violent, with protestors attacking the police and setting cars on fire. The police responded with the use of a water cannon and Republican Guard forces opened fire, killing two citizens at the time and fatally wounding two more.

Acquittal
Prosecutors had sought a two-year prison sentence and a one million lek [€8300] fine for the former premier. However, due to a lack of evidence Meta was acquitted. His lawyer Spartak Braho said the verdict means that “the comedy is over.” Also Spartak declared: “The law decided, and when the court speaks all should shut up and obey.”

Sources: BalkanInsight, the Washington Post
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