Tirana, October 23 (IANS): Ilir Meta, leader of the Albanian Freedom Party and former President of Albania, was arrested on charges of corruption, money laundering, and other offenses. The arrest order was issued by the Special Prosecutor against Corruption (SPAK), Albania's anti-corruption agency.

Albanian prosecutors have arrested former President Ilir Meta on suspicion that the left-wing Freedom Party leader engaged in alleged corruption, money laundering and hiding of personal income and property.

Ilir Meta, Albania's former president, has been detained over corruption charges, viewed as politically motivated by his lawyer. Allegations include passive corruption, undeclared wealth, and money laundering.

The politician has been arrested on charges of corruption and money laundering. His lawyers say he is the victim political persecution.

Albania's former President Ilir Meta has been detained by police over corruption allegations, his lawyer said on Monday, calling the arrest politically motivated. Meta, 55, who was president from 2017-2022 and now leads the opposition Freedom Party,

Albania's left-wing Freedom Party said Monday its leader and former Albanian president Ilir Meta has been arrested on alleged money laundering charges. Meta, 55, was arrested in the capital, Tirana, by officers with the National Investigation Bureau,

Albania's former President Ilir Meta has been detained by police over corruption allegations, his spokesperson and lawyer said on Monday. Meta's spokesperson Tedi Blushi told a press conference the arrest was "inappropriate" and that it would "be condemned by all patriotic and honest Albanians".