#Erion Veliaj #Albania #Tirana

Albania's Supreme Court Upholds Detention of Mayor Erion Veliaj

In a significant ruling yesterday, Albania's Supreme Court decided that Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, will remain incarcerated at VEP Durres prison. This decision, made during a closed hearing on July 8, continues the mayor's detention following allegations of illegal conduct, which Veliaj firmly denies.

For almost five months, Veliaj has been held without a formal charge while facing a probe from the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office (SPAK). His access to international legal counsel has been restricted, raising serious humanitarian concerns among his friends and family. The ongoing detention has been criticized for lacking justifiable grounds, as courts previously failed to assess whether his detention was necessary or appropriate, overlooking alternative measures.

Daniel Fetterman, a former U.S. federal prosecutor and a partner at Kasowitz LLP, one of the law firms representing Veliaj, commented on the ruling, stating, “The continued detention of Mayor Veliaj—without charges against him and when apparent, reasonable alternatives exist—contradicts the principles of due process and undermines the rule of law.”

Expressing his disappointment, Mayor Veliaj stated, “Today’s ruling by the Albanian Supreme Court is extraordinarily disheartening. I should be one step closer to returning to my family. Instead, I remain imprisoned and isolated in IVEP Durres, denied access to my international legal counsel and necessary information to properly defend myself against the allegations. I will continue to pursue all legal avenues to return to serving the city of Tirana.”

Ben Brandon, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, reiterated the gravity of the situation. He remarked that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) prohibits arbitrary detention and that any incarceration must be necessary, appropriate, and reasonable. “We await the full decision from the Supreme Court but are considering all available legal remedies. We remain seriously concerned that the ongoing detention of Mayor Veliaj violates the ECHR,” Brandon stated.

Legal representatives from both Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya are committed to using every international legal remedy available on behalf of Mayor Veliaj. The complete report regarding the alleged wrongful detention of the mayor by SPAK will soon be made available to the public. The ongoing situation not only affects Veliaj personally but also casts a long shadow over Albania's approach to justice and human rights.

As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly attract further attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting the delicate balance between governance, law enforcement, and individual rights in a democratic society. With heightened scrutiny from international organizations and advocates for human rights, the repercussions of this case could extend far beyond the confines of the courtroom.

Veliaj's supporters are rallying to demand his release, emphasizing that his detention without proper legal justification threatens not only his career but also the democratic values Albania espouses. The coming weeks may be crucial as both the court and international observers watch closely for developments in this high-profile case that questions the integrity and functionality of Albania's judicial system.