#Erion Veliaj #Kasowitz LLP #Albania #Tirana #Tirana Mayor

Kasowitz LLP Highlights Due Process Failures in Erion Veliaj's Case

On March 11, 2026, Kasowitz LLP released an updated report that critically examines severe due process deficiencies associated with the ongoing detention and prosecution of Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, Albania. This report serves as a follow-up to earlier reports dated June 24, 2025, and October 28, 2025, and sheds light on new developments in Veliaj's legal battle.

Key Findings of the Report

The updated investigation reveals two crucial aspects regarding Mayor Veliaj's situation. Firstly, it addresses the concerning efforts by the Albanian Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) to undermine Veliaj's right to a fair trial. The report cites alarming instances where SPAK has denied Mayor Veliaj access to nearly 60,000 pages of evidence—a clear infringement on his ability to prepare an adequate defense. Furthermore, the manner in which Veliaj's defense attorney is permitted to communicate with him has been severely restricted, complicating his ability to formulate a defense strategy.

Recent developments include a ruling by a panel of three judges from the Court of First Instance, which acknowledged SPAK's misconduct and mandated that the extensive evidence file be made available to Mayor Veliaj. While this ruling indicates progress, concerns remain regarding the feasibility of Veliaj effectively reviewing and processing such a vast amount of evidence within the limited time frame before his trial commences.

Continued Detention Justification

The second focal point of the report is SPAK's continued reliance on spurious arguments to justify the mayor's ongoing pre-trial detention. Surprisingly, SPAK has cited Veliaj's lobbying activities as a ground for extending his detention, even though lobbying does not meet the established criteria for justifying such detention. This tactic appears to be a punitive measure, stemming from Veliaj's exercise of his democratic rights to petition. His appeals have exposed numerous violations of due process committed by SPAK's handling of his case.

Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and an international advisor for Mayor Veliaj, expressed deep concern regarding SPAK's invocation of legitimate defenses and lobbying activities as rationales for the mayor's prolonged illegal detention. He stated, "The act of presenting petitions to the government and publicly discussing one's case is a fundamental democratic right and should never be grounds for incarceration or punishment."

Moreover, Fetterman called on the U.S. government, which played a significant role in establishing and advising SPAK, to investigate the ongoing issues in Veliaj's case. In a series of letters addressed to both the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice, Kasowitz has formally requested that these matters be examined closely.

The Path Ahead

The report emphasizes that, following more than a year of pre-trial detention, the situation has become increasingly precarious for Mayor Veliaj. As the legal proceedings continue, the scrutiny on SPAK and its processes is warranted, especially regarding its adherence to due process standards. This case not only raises significant legal questions but also engages broader concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Albania.

A full copy of the detailed report can be accessed through Kasowitz LLP's official channels. The law firm continues to represent Mayor Veliaj with a dedicated team led by Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi in New York, alongside significant advisors in Washington, D.C.

As this case unfolds, the implications for governance and legal integrity in Albania remain critical, signifying a potent intersection of justice and political dynamics.