#USA #New York #Erion Veliaj #Kasowitz LLP #Mishcon de Reya

Analyzing the Updated Veliaj Report: A Case of Political Persecution

On October 28, 2025, Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya LLP, two prominent law firms based in New York and London respectively, unveiled the Updated Veliaj Report. This report sheds new light on the ongoing political persecution of Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, Albania, underscoring the troubling political motivations behind the actions taken against him by the Albanian Special Prosecution Office (SPAK).

Background: A Timeline of Events

Mayor Veliaj has been at the center of controversy since February 2025 when he was detained without bail on charges that many believe to be politically driven. The updated report serves as a continuation of the previous findings published on June 24, 2025, which initially identified the unjust nature of his detention.

In just eight months, key developments have raised serious questions regarding the integrity of the proceedings against him. Notably, according to the report, the denial of bail to Mayor Veliaj, in contrast to the leniency afforded to others charged in the same case, illustrates a concerning disparity in treatment by the authorities.

Increasing Political Tensions

The updated report raises alarms that Veliaj's legal troubles are intricately linked to his political role. Recent events have further exacerbated these tensions, particularly the decision made by the Municipal Council of Tirana to remove him from office, citing his detention as justification. This move has been widely viewed as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the citizens' right to self-governance, violating constitutional protections.

Following this action, the President of Albania announced plans for new elections to fill the mayoral position, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of the charges against him. Critics argue this sequence of events suggests that authorities are attempting to leverage Veliaj's detention to facilitate a political coup. The report highlights the urgency for the Constitutional Court to address this unprecedented crisis, as its current suspension of actions offers a temporary reprieve for Veliaj pending appeal.

Implications for Judicial Integrity

One of the key points articulated in the Updated Veliaj Report is the potential erosion of due process within Albania's judicial framework. As the report outlines, Mayor Veliaj's case exemplifies a troubling narrative where presumption of innocence has been disregarded. The confluence of political machinations intended to remove Veliaj from office has resulted in significant personal and professional repercussions, effectively stripping him of both his liberty and role before trial proceedings have commenced.

The implications of such actions extend beyond Veliaj, indicating a systemic issue where those in positions of power could manipulate legal processes to achieve political ends. The updated analysis calls into question Albania's commitment to uphold democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing the need for transparent governance.

The Legal Teams Behind the Report

The updated report was assembled by a dedicated team from both Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya LLP. In New York, partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi took the lead, with senior counsel Clarine Nardi Riddle and special counsel David Miller providing oversight from Washington, D.C. The London team, including partners James Libson and Ben Brandon, alongside managing associate Celia Marr, played a pivotal role in shaping the report's direction.

Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, the Updated Veliaj Report serves as a vital document in the discourse around political accountability in Albania. It calls for heightened vigilance from both local and international observers regarding the implications of this politically charged prosecution. As citizens and allies of democracy monitor the developments of this case, the expectation remains for the legal system to assert its role without bias, ensuring that due process is upheld for all citizens, including elected officials like Mayor Erion Veliaj.

For further inquiries or to access the full Updated Veliaj Report, interested parties may reach out to Shannon O'Reilly from Kasowitz LLP at [email protected].