Albanian High Court Ruling: Tirana Mayor's Detention Persists Amid Controversy

On July 8, 2025, the Albanian High Court made a significant decision regarding Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, determining that he will remain in detention at IVEP Durres, Albania. This ruling follows nearly five months of confinement and stems from a lengthy investigation carried out by the Special Prosecutor's Office, dedicated to tackling corruption and organized crime, known as SPAK. Despite his detention, Veliaj maintains his innocence and continuously denies the allegations against him.

The hearing, held behind closed doors, concluded without allowing the mayor access to his international legal counsel, a point of contention that has raised eyebrows among legal experts and advocates for due process. Represented by the international law firms Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya, Veliaj’s legal team has expressed deep concerns over the legality of his ongoing detention and the failure to consider alternative measures.

Daniel Fetterman, a former U.S. federal prosecutor and partner at Kasowitz, criticized the decision, arguing that the prolonged detention without charges contradicts foundational legal principles, as it neglects the consideration of necessary and proportionate alternatives to confinement.

Meanwhile, Veliaj voiced his frustration with the court's decision, highlighting his isolation and inability to connect with his legal team or gather necessary information to defend himself. His statement underscores the emotional and psychological toll that such circumstances impose on him and his family. "Today, I should be one step closer to returning home to my family. Instead, I remain imprisoned and in isolation at IVEP Durres," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to fighting for his freedom and returning to his role as mayor.

The situation has drawn significant attention domestically and internationally, particularly because of its implications for justice and human rights in Albania. The European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) clearly stipulates that arbitrary detention is prohibited, stipulating that any such confinement must be necessary, proportionate, and legally justified. Veliaj's team is currently evaluating all legal options available to challenge his detention, which they argue violates these standards.

This lack of meaningful judicial scrutiny raises questions about the manner in which the courts have approved ongoing detentions without properly weighing the evidence or considering the realities of the case. Critics also point to the broader context of judicial independence and the rule of law in Albania, arguing that the continued detention of a democratically elected official reflects systemic issues within the country's legal framework.

As the situation continues to unfold, the mayor’s defense team remains resolute in their pursuit of justice, advocating for not only Veliaj’s release but also for a thorough reassessment of the mechanisms currently in place regarding detention practices in the country. The implications of this case may set a crucial precedent influencing the treatment of politically sensitive cases in Albania moving forward.

In summary, the ongoing detention of Erion Veliaj embodies the struggle between political power, crime, and the legal system in Albania, exposing deep-seated challenges and raising critical questions about the future of democracy and governance in the nation. As the court awaits a full decision from the High Court, the eyes of both the national and international communities remain fixed on this pivotal case, signaling a crucial moment for Albania's legal and political landscape.