Kasowitz LLP's Report Highlights Due Process Flaws in Erion Veliaj's Ongoing Prosecution

Legal Report Overview

Kasowitz LLP has recently updated its report examining the critical due process flaws behind the ongoing detention and prosecution of Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, Albania. This document serves as a supplementary reference to prior reports issued on June 24 and October 28, 2025, shedding light on the troubling legal circumstances surrounding Veliaj’s case.

Background Summary

The report outlines significant developments in Mayor Veliaj's situation, particularly emphasizing attempts by Albania's Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) to undermine his right to a fair trial. Notably, SPAK has restricted Veliaj's access to nearly 60,000 pages of evidentiary documents, crucial for his defense preparations. This lack of access severely compromises his ability to contest the charges against him effectively.

In an important recent ruling, a panel of three judges rejected SPAK's previous conduct and ordered that evidence documents be shared with Mayor Veliaj for his review. Furthermore, they postponed the trial by two weeks. While this ruling represents a positive step forward, it presents a tight timeframe for Veliaj to analyze the extensive materials, raising fears about whether he can adequately prepare for a fair trial.

Ongoing Concerns

Moreover, SPAK continues to assert dubious arguments supporting Mayor Veliaj's extended pre-trial detention. The latest reasoning includes claims regarding his lobbying efforts, which SPAK uses to justify prolonged imprisonment. However, lobbying activities do not meet established criteria justifying detention. Critics argue this tactic appears to be punitive, intended as revenge for Veliaj exercising his democratic right to petition and publicly speak about injustices he experiences, thereby exposing SPAK's procedural violations.

Legal Opinions

Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and an international legal advisor to Mayor Veliaj, expressed deep concerns regarding SPAK’s reliance on legal lobbying to justify Veliaj's wrongful detention. He stated, "Pursuing government petitions and publicly discussing one’s case are fundamental democratic rights, not legitimate grounds for incarceration or punishment. After enduring over a year of pre-trial detention alongside systemic due process violations, it is incumbent upon the American government—which played a role in establishing and advising SPAK—to scrutinize these developments closely."

Kasowitz LLP has formally communicated with the U.S. Department of State and the Justice Department, urging them to investigate the circumstances surrounding Veliaj’s treatment.

Conclusion

The full report is accessible online for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of these developments. Kasowitz’s legal team for Mayor Veliaj comprises partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi in New York, along with Senior Counsel Clarine Nardi Riddle and Special Counsel David Miller based in Washington, D.C. As the situation evolves, continued monitoring and advocacy for fair legal practices will be essential.