Kasowitz LLP Releases New Report on Due Process Violations Impacting Tirana's Mayor Erion Veliaj
In a critical examination of the legal proceedings against Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, Albania, Kasowitz LLP has released an updated report detailing alarming shortcomings in due process that have resulted in Veliaj's continued detention and prosecution. The report, which expands on previous assessments published in June and October 2025, draws attention to two major developments in the case that underscore the potential infringement on Veliaj's rights.
Firstly, the report highlights the challenges posed by the Albanian Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which has hindered Veliaj's access to a substantial volume of evidence—around 60,000 pages—that is crucial for his defense. Despite the gravity of the situation, SPAK has restricted the methods and opportunities through which Veliaj's state-appointed attorney can confer with him regarding the evidence. In a recent legal ruling, a panel of three judges intervened, directing SPAK to provide Veliaj with the evidence file for review and postponing the trial by two weeks. While this decision represents a positive step forward, concerns persist regarding the feasibility of Veliaj adequately reviewing such a large amount of material in a limited time frame.
Secondly, the report criticizes SPAK for advancing unfounded claims to justify Veliaj's ongoing imprisonment. In a recent motion, SPAK cited Veliaj's lobbying activities as a rationale for extending his detention. However, lobbying does not fall within the categories typically considered valid grounds for holding an accused individual. This action appears to be a punitive measure against Veliaj for exercising his democratic right to lodge a complaint against governmental actions, effectively exposing numerous violations of due process in his case.
Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and an international advisor to Mayor Veliaj, voiced deep concern regarding SPAK's usage of legal frameworks and lobbying as justifications for the unwarranted detention of Veliaj. He emphasized that filing complaints with governmental bodies and publicly advocating for one’s case are fundamental democratic rights that should never warrant imprisonment or punitive actions. Following more than a year of detention, compounded by serious breaches of due process, Fetterman called upon the U.S. government—an entity that has supported the establishment and advisory role of SPAK—to investigate these proceedings and the underlying motivations for such actions. He noted that this directive is included in correspondence sent to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice, underscoring the urgent need for oversight and accountability in Veliaj’s case.
The full report is available [here]. Kasowitz LLP's team representing Mayor Veliaj includes partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi in New York, with chief legal advisor Clarine Nardi Riddle and special advisor David Miller based in Washington, D.C. Their work highlights the ongoing struggle for justice within the Albanian legal system and the pressing need for international attention to uphold the rule of law in this case.
Firstly, the report highlights the challenges posed by the Albanian Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which has hindered Veliaj's access to a substantial volume of evidence—around 60,000 pages—that is crucial for his defense. Despite the gravity of the situation, SPAK has restricted the methods and opportunities through which Veliaj's state-appointed attorney can confer with him regarding the evidence. In a recent legal ruling, a panel of three judges intervened, directing SPAK to provide Veliaj with the evidence file for review and postponing the trial by two weeks. While this decision represents a positive step forward, concerns persist regarding the feasibility of Veliaj adequately reviewing such a large amount of material in a limited time frame.
Secondly, the report criticizes SPAK for advancing unfounded claims to justify Veliaj's ongoing imprisonment. In a recent motion, SPAK cited Veliaj's lobbying activities as a rationale for extending his detention. However, lobbying does not fall within the categories typically considered valid grounds for holding an accused individual. This action appears to be a punitive measure against Veliaj for exercising his democratic right to lodge a complaint against governmental actions, effectively exposing numerous violations of due process in his case.
Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and an international advisor to Mayor Veliaj, voiced deep concern regarding SPAK's usage of legal frameworks and lobbying as justifications for the unwarranted detention of Veliaj. He emphasized that filing complaints with governmental bodies and publicly advocating for one’s case are fundamental democratic rights that should never warrant imprisonment or punitive actions. Following more than a year of detention, compounded by serious breaches of due process, Fetterman called upon the U.S. government—an entity that has supported the establishment and advisory role of SPAK—to investigate these proceedings and the underlying motivations for such actions. He noted that this directive is included in correspondence sent to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice, underscoring the urgent need for oversight and accountability in Veliaj’s case.
The full report is available [here]. Kasowitz LLP's team representing Mayor Veliaj includes partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi in New York, with chief legal advisor Clarine Nardi Riddle and special advisor David Miller based in Washington, D.C. Their work highlights the ongoing struggle for justice within the Albanian legal system and the pressing need for international attention to uphold the rule of law in this case.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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