#United States #New York #Kasowitz #Erion Veliaj #Tirana

Updated Report on Political Persecution of Tirana's Mayor

On October 28, 2025, Kasowitz LLP from New York and Mishcon de Reya LLP from London unveiled their updated report titled "Report Regarding the Political Persecution of Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana." This document revisits previous findings on the elaborate legal concerns surrounding the unjust detention of Mayor Veliaj, which has been a focal point in discussions about political integrity in Albania.

The report reflects on the political dimension of corruption allegations against Mayor Erion Veliaj, which have rendered his position tenuous since his detention in February. This updated account highlights alarming patterns suggestive of political motives within the prosecution led by SPAK (Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime). Over the previous eight months, the perception has increasingly been that these legal measures amount to more than mere prosecution; they reflect a targeted effort to undermine an elected official.

One key element in the report is the troubling disparity in how various defendants in the case have been treated. While 17 others charged along with the Mayor were granted bail on minimal conditions, Veliaj remains incarcerated without just rationale. This situation raises serious questions about equity and fairness in the judicial treatment of political figures in Albania, leading to an impression of selective persecution grounded in political bias.

The Updated Veliaj Report alludes to a broader concern regarding democratic processes. Following Mayor Veliaj's detention, the Municipal Council of Tirana voted to remove him from office, citing his inability to fulfill his duties due to ongoing legal challenges. This decision was compounded by the announcement from the Republic's President concerning upcoming elections to fill his position—casting a long shadow over the legitimacy of the Council’s decision and raising concerns about the constitutional rights of both the Mayor and the voters.

With the Constitutional Court stepping in to suspend these actions until the appeal from Mayor Veliaj is resolved, the report raises significant implications about the foundational principles of democracy and due process in Albania. The Mayor's ongoing detention and the subsequent political moves to detach him from power have critically tested Albania's commitment to the rule of law. The report argues that this case exemplifies a troubling trend where the legal system is manipulated to sideline political opposition rather than uphold justice.

In a climate where the expectation is that all have the right to a fair trial and due process, the ongoing situation surrounding Mayor Veliaj illustrates the complexities of politics intertwined with legal frameworks. The report challenges the notion of presumed innocence, detailing how a political crisis can swiftly turn into a legal one, depriving an elected official of both liberty and job without a fair trial process.

The document calls for public attention and comprehensive discussions on these unfolding events to ensure the rights of all citizens are preserved, emphasizing that the actions taken against Mayor Veliaj reflect not only on him but the integrity of the entire democratic system in Albania.

The full version of the Updated Veliaj Report can be accessed through the provided channels, and inquiries related to its contents can be directed to Shannon O'Reilly at Kasowitz LLP.

Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya LLP's collaboration on this report signifies their commitment to civil liberties and governmental accountability, aiming to shed light on potential injustices faced by those in public office.