Former president seeks inquiry into prison treatment

A Tirana court is considering former President Ilir Meta’s attempt to force an investigation into his treatment in detention.

Meta says staff at a Tirana detention centre unlawfully restricted his communications and abused their authority.

Prosecutors refused to open an investigation, saying the complaint contained no evidence of a criminal offence.

Meta has asked the court to overturn that decision and order prosecutors to examine his claims.

He has been in custody since October 2024 and faces corruption and money-laundering charges, which he denies.