Ilir Meta’s blame game costs him more than freedom

The Court of Appeal upheld the pre-trial detention for Ilir Meta, yet Meta himself has shifted his narrative regarding his responsibility in the scandals under investigation. In his court defense, he placed the blame squarely on his former wife, Monika Kryemadhi, and her mother.

While I personally oppose pre-trial detention for politicians not in power and would not find it unreasonable to reconsider Meta’s detention, the court’s decision is final. What merits discussion now is Meta’s response to the allegations.

Meta has long framed his legal troubles as the product of a conspiracy involving the Prime Minister, the Chief Prosecutor of SPAK (Albania’s Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime), and the United States. He built an entire political narrative around the claim that his arrest was orchestrated to undermine him as an opposition leader. Yet, in his latest statements, Meta has effectively acknowledged wrongdoing, shifting responsibility to his wife and mother-in-law.

Ultimately, it is the court—not Meta—who decides who bears legal responsibility. However, his attempt to deflect blame does little to absolve him and further tarnishes his image. By blaming his ex-wife, Meta has abandoned any semblance of dignity.

In contrast, Monika Kryemadhi has shown far more composure throughout this ordeal. While Meta is known for his combative rhetoric, Kryemadhi has displayed more “manliness” in the metaphorical sense—owning up to her role in the financial transactions at the center of the accusations. She has also kept her family united during this difficult time and stepped back from politics, unlike Meta, whose behavior before his arrest veered into tragicomedy, marked by paranoia and delusions.

Meta’s latest statements, blaming his wife and mother-in-law, have harmed him on two fronts. Politically, he has undermined his claim of being a victim of political persecution, essentially admitting to breaking the law. Personally, he has lost respect by shirking responsibility as a husband and public figure, instead shifting blame onto his family.

Today, Meta didn’t just lose his bid for freedom; he also lost much of his credibility. His decision to scapegoat his ex-wife and mother-in-law not only weakens his legal standing but also diminishes him politically and morally.

The article initially appeared in Albanian titled: "Ilir Meta sot ka humbur, edhe 'burrërinë', edhe lirinë"