The long-running investigation into the 21 January 2011 events, in which four protesters were killed during clashes in Tirana, has taken a new turn as former President Ilir Meta is set to testify, his lawyer said on Tuesday.
Attorney Kujtim Cakrani told local media that Meta possesses documentary and audio evidence related to the case and has requested to be heard by prosecutors. “Mr. Meta has sufficient proof. If the prosecutors want to clarify the events, they can summon him,” Cakrani said. He added that Meta’s testimony could identify those responsible for the killings, which he described as a planned attempt to destabilize constitutional order.
The case has been politically charged for over a decade, with former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and other opposition figures accused of orchestrating violent actions. Berisha’s recent statements revisiting the events and referencing his own alleged readiness to use lethal force have fueled controversy, following a European Court of Human Rights ruling labeling the killings as a “state crime.”
Analysts say the renewed attention to 21 January reflects ongoing political maneuvering. Some opposition figures, including Berisha, appear to be using procedural developments to shift blame onto rivals, while the public remains deeply sensitive to the unresolved deaths. “The tactics of certain political actors are aimed at deforming the narrative,” analyst Arben Meçe told ABC News, warning that selective use of evidence, such as audio recordings, may delay justice.
Former Interior Ministry officials and analysts have called for a full investigation into the role of the Republican Guard, questioning why security forces opened fire and whether orders were issued under political pressure. The unfolding developments highlight the difficulty in separating legal accountability from Albania’s polarized political landscape.
As Meta prepares to testify, observers say the case could uncover key details about the planning and execution of the 21 January events, potentially identifying individuals responsible for the deaths. The case remains a touchstone for Albanian politics, reflecting broader debates about accountability, institutional integrity, and the rule of law.