The Political Persecution of Tirana's Mayor: A Year in Detention

A Year of Injustice: The Case of Mayor Erion Veliaj

In Albania, the past year has been marked by the controversial and unjust detention of Mayor Erion Veliaj. As of February 10, 2026, it has been 365 days since Veliaj was taken into custody by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). This case has become a notable illustration of the misuse of pre-trial detention as a tool of political maneuvering in a nation striving to uphold democratic principles.

The Allegations and the Political Circumstances

In February of last year, Veliaj found himself incarcerated without formal charges being laid against him for several months. The basis for his arrest was murky at best, with no evidence presented to substantiate claims of flight risk or obstruction of justice. The lack of a fair trial process raises significant alarm about the state of individual rights in Albania, particularly for a public official who has been continuously elected by the citizens of Tirana across three terms.

In September, the circumstances surrounding Veliaj’s arrest took a pivotal turn. He was removed from his role as mayor, a move that appeared to be more about punishing an elected representative than addressing any legal violations. The council’s actions sparked outrage as they seemed designed to disenfranchise the electorate, stripping away the mandates awarded to him by the voters.

As if this political theater were not enough, recent court proceedings have further illustrated the seemingly coordinated effort to undermine Veliaj’s ability to defend himself. He was denied access to over 60,000 pages of evidence that could potentially support his case and help counter the accusations lodged by SPAK. This denial of access to crucial documents hints at a broader pattern of obstructing due process, undermining the very essence of justice.

International Reactions

The response from the international community has been swift, with many critics labeling the mayor's ongoing detention as politically motivated. Daniel J. Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz and an advocate for Veliaj, publicly condemned the case, citing it as a “political trial” riddled with violations of proper judicial procedures. He emphasized the significant ramifications this case could have on democracy in Albania, declaring it a stark example of state overreach.

Moreover, Albanian media outlets have drawn parallels between SPAK’s aggressive tactics against Veliaj and repressive regimes, suggesting a trajectory akin to what is seen in authoritarian governance. The term