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Former Albanian President, Meta Arrested For Corruption

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In a dramatic development that has rocked Albanian politics, former President Ilir Meta was arrested on Monday for alleged corruption and money laundering, marking a new chapter in the ongoing political battle between Meta and his long-time rival, Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The arrest, confirmed by the country’s special prosecutor’s office, has drawn sharp criticism from Meta’s supporters and deepened tensions within Albania’s political landscape.

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Meta, 55, who served as President from 2017 to 2022, was detained in Tirana after returning from a visit to Kosovo.

His arrest comes amid an ongoing investigation involving him, his ex-wife, Monika Kryemadhi, and other prominent figures on charges that include “passive bribery of a senior official,” “money laundering,” and “false declaration of assets.”

The allegations span over a decade, with some of the earliest accusations dating back to his tenure as Minister of Economy between 2010 and 2011.

Albanian media outlets published images showing police escorting Meta out of his vehicle and into a police van, while AFP photographers later captured him leaving a police station, en route to jail.

His ex-wife, Kryemadhi, a Member of Parliament and leader of the Freedom Party, has not been arrested but is required to appear regularly before judicial authorities.

Kryemadhi has publicly denounced the charges, describing them as “political” in nature.

“This is a criminal kidnapping,” said Tedi Blushi, the secretary-general of Meta’s Freedom Party, as he condemned the arrest.

Meta’s political allies view the move as part of a broader crackdown by Prime Minister Rama, who has been accused of consolidating power and targeting political rivals.

Former Prime Minister and opposition leader Sali Berisha, himself under investigation for corruption, called Meta’s arrest “political persecution” during a press conference on Monday.

The charges against Meta, if proven, could result in up to 12 years of imprisonment under Albanian law.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities receiving international support from the United States, Austria, Italy, San Marino, and Cyprus.

Prosecutors hinted at the possibility of more individuals being implicated as they continue to scrutinize Meta’s alleged network of criminal activities.

Ilir Meta is a seasoned figure in Albanian politics, with a career that spans back to the country’s post-communist transition.

He was elected as a deputy in 1992 and went on to serve in a variety of top-level roles, including Prime Minister (1999-2002), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2009-2010), and Speaker of Parliament (2013-2017).

His presidency, though largely ceremonial, was marked by escalating tensions with Prime Minister Rama, particularly as Meta positioned himself as a fierce critic of the government, accusing Rama of creating a “kleptocratic regime.”

 

 

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DOJ Confirms Federal Criminal Investigation After Agents Raid Ilhan Omar’s Home

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Federal agents raided the Washington, D.C., home of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar early Monday morning as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed.

Homeland Security Investigations agents arrived at the Minnesota congresswoman’s residence at about 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time, according to a report by Fox News.

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The report said both the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the DOJ are involved in the investigation.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed the operation, stating: “Today in the Washington, D.C. area, Homeland Security Investigations executed a judicially authorized search warrant secured by the Department of Justice.”

The spokesperson added: “This enforcement action is part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation.”

 

 

Details later……….

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Bangkok Underwater: Nearly 4,900 Evacuated as Floods Hit Thailand Capital

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Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding across parts of Bangkok, Thailand, forcing nearly 4,900 residents to evacuate to shelters as floodwaters swept through roads and residential areas.

The flooding has disrupted movement across parts of the Thai capital, with motorists and pedestrians forced to navigate submerged roads and seek alternative routes.

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According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, about 52,000 households have been affected by the flooding, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster and intensify emergency response efforts.

Emergency teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and move residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations as water levels rise.

Bangkok is accustomed to seasonal heavy rainfall, but intense downpours can overwhelm drainage systems, particularly in low-lying areas, resulting in widespread flooding and disruption.

Authorities are continuing to monitor affected locations while coordinating evacuations and other emergency measures.

For thousands of residents, the immediate priority remains securing safe shelter and protecting homes and livelihoods as authorities work to manage the situation and restore normal activities once the floodwaters recede.

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‘They Are Dying’ — Trump Explains Why He Rejected Iran’s Hormuz Proposal

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US President Donald Trump has explained his decision to reject Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran was seeking an agreement because it was losing revenue.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran wanted to immediately reopen the strategically important waterway but argued that the proposal was not acceptable to his administration.

“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s fine. I like making a deal, too, but that deal would not be acceptable,” Trump said.

SEE ALSO: How the Strait of Hormuz Attack Could Trigger a Fresh Global Oil Shock

According to the US president, Iran’s push to reopen the strait was driven by the economic pressure it was facing.

“What they want to do is immediately open the Hormuz Strait. Do you know why? Because they are dying,” Trump said.

“You know why they’re dying? Because they have no money coming in, because they get their money from the Hormuz Strait.”

Trump also claimed that the US had established an unprecedented naval blockade against Iran, describing it as “a wall of steel.”

“So they outsmarted themselves. We put up the greatest blockade ever in military history. It’s a wall of steel,” he said.

“And guess what? They don’t have any money now because they wanted to close the strait.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy shipping route, and disruption to traffic through the waterway has significant implications for international oil markets and countries that depend on energy imports.

Trump’s remarks came amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran over the reopening of the strategic waterway and negotiations involving Iran.

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