#Erion Veliaj #Albania #Tirana

Supreme Court Decision on Tirana's Mayor

On July 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Albania affirmed that Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, would continue to be held in detention at the IVEP facility in Durres. This decision came following a closed hearing on July 8, where evidence was reviewed concerning ongoing corruption allegations made against him. Veliaj has strongly denied the charges and is represented by international legal experts from Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya.

The mayor has been in custody for nearly five months now, undergoing extensive scrutiny from the Special Prosecution of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) over the past couple of years. Despite this, Veliaj has been denied access to his international attorney, which has sparked considerable concern among his family and friends regarding his psychological well-being and the implications of prolonged detention without formal charges.

Critics of the proceedings point to a lack of consideration from the courts regarding whether his continued detention is necessary or proportional to the perceived threat he poses. Daniel Fetterman, a former U.S. federal prosecutor and a partner at Kasowitz, remarked:

“The ongoing detention of Mayor Veliaj—without any formal charges and the availability of obvious, reasonable alternatives—contradicts established due process principles and is antithetical to the rule of law.”

In response to the court's ruling, Veliaj expressed his disappointment, stating:

“The decision made by the Supreme Court of Albania today is extremely disappointing. I should be one step closer to returning home to my family. Instead, I remain incarcerated and isolated at the IVEP facility in Durres, deprived of access to my international lawyer and the information necessary to adequately defend myself against these allegations.”

Veliaj remains determined to pursue all legal avenues available to return to office and serve the people of Tirana. His legal team is actively scrutinizing the relevant laws as there are significant grounds for appeal concerning the legality of his detention. Partner Ben Brandon from Mishcon de Reya added:

“The European Convention on Human Rights prohibits arbitrary detention, mandating that any such detention must be necessary, proportionate, and justified. While we await the full decision from the Supreme Court, we are evaluating all legal paths available to challenge the continued detention, which raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the ECHR.”

This case has broader implications for Albania, with observers noting the intersection of legal proceedings and political maneuvering in the country. The commitment of Veliaj's legal representatives underscores their readiness to fight for what they perceive to be an infringement on fundamental rights and legal standards.

In conclusion, the detention of Erion Veliaj highlights crucial issues surrounding legal processes, political integrity, and the rights of detainees within Albania's judicial framework. As the situation evolves, many will be keen to see how the courts address the mounting scrutiny and whether a resolution that upholds justice can be achieved.