Video of Ilir Meta’s arrest sparks debate

The release of video footage showing the arrest of former President Ilir Meta has ignited public debate. Opposition representatives have heavily criticized the way in which he was arrested. Others were critical of Meta’s resistance to police. In the video police officers can be seen eventually pulling the former president out of his car forcibly. 

Why is this important: Arresting a former president, prime minister, and parliamentary speaker on charges of corruption, illegal influence, and asset concealment is unprecedented for Albania. Politicians of Meta’s importance were until recently considered untouchable. 

Context: Police stopped Meta’s car on a busy road at the entrance to Tirana, amidst heavy traffic. After several minutes of trying to convince him to comply, officers forcibly pulled him from the vehicle. The arrest followed a warrant from Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), approved by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO). Officers from the National Bureau of Investigation (BKH) assisted with the operation.

The method of arrest has raised criticism about both the police’s conduct and Meta’s behavior. Critics argue that there was no reason to stop him on a busy road and that forcibly dragging Meta from his car was excessive. He posed no danger and was not caught in flagrante, they charge.

Others expressed disbelief at Meta’s refusal to cooperate with the police when handed the court order. His defiance toward police carrying out a legal court order was seen as unacceptable behavior for a politician of his rank as well as typical behavior for a politician used to see himself as being above the law for decades.

What was said: According to police, Meta refused to exit the car and insulted the officers, resisting the court-ordered arrest. Interior Minister Ervin Hoxha defended the police response, explaining that Meta’s violent resistance forced officers to act. Hoxha clarified that Special Operations Forces—not regular officers—were assigned to handle the arrest. He said the situation escalated only because Meta resisted arrest from the start.

“If Meta had complied, the arrest would have gone smoothly,” Hoxha said. “But his resistance forced officers to use physical force.” The minister stressed that police, by law, cannot warn or negotiate with individuals facing an arrest order. “There’s only one option—detain the person—no exceptions,” he added.

What’s next: While many Albanians – the overwhelming majority of whom support SPAK and its fight against corruption – will applaud the arrest of Meta who over the years had garnered a reputation for corruption, a minority is bound to see this as yet another attack against the opposition. The leader of the opposition Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, who is also awaiting trial for corruption, has already called for a protest against Meta’s arrest. The way in which he was arrested is bound to become yet another rallying cry for their supporters.