The second session of the trial on the merits against Freedom Party leader Ilir Meta is taking place today at the Special Court.
Journalist Klodiana Lala reports that Meta has submitted a statement that he will not attend the session where the security measure will be discussed, but will attend the session where the trial on the merits will take place.
Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the DP, Flamur Noka, the General Secretary of the PL, Tedi Blushi, and MP Klevis Balliu are also present in the courtroom.
In the last session, Meta appeared behind the glass cage for the first time since his arrest. He leveled accusations at the justice system, describing it as a shameful process.
"I am not in an unequal position, but they are. With slander and lies, with false accusers, a shameful process against the Albanian state, not against Ilir Meta. I invite you from today until the last moment, I invite you to follow and broadcast the entire process live. I guarantee that I am responsible for my every action, act and behavior," Meta is heard speaking from behind the glass cage. Meta appears publicly to the media for the first time since his arrest in October 2024, while he appears noticeably different in appearance.
Meta has insisted that court hearings be broadcast live, as a way to ensure transparency. He also made a special request to the Special Court regarding this issue just a few days ago.
"Transparency before Albanian citizens and accountability is an obligation for every institution and every public official," he wrote in a post on social media. Since October 21, 2024, Meta has not appeared in public and has not given any interviews, while his last image remains the moment of his arrest.
Meta faces charges of corruption, money laundering and concealment of assets.
