Albania's Supreme Court Rules on Mayor Veliaj's Continued Detention Amid Controversy
Continued Detention of Tirana's Mayor Erion Veliaj
On July 8, 2025, Albania's Supreme Court reached a controversial decision, determining that Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, will continue to be held at IVEP Durres. This resolution follows almost five months of detention and an extended investigation by the Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which has gained widespread attention due to various alleged discrepancies surrounding Veliaj's case.
The hearing was conducted behind closed doors, raising concerns about judicial transparency and the rights of the accused. Veliaj, who firmly denies any wrongdoing, claims that he is being denied access to his international legal counsel, represented by the law firms Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya. This lack of legal access has prompted significant distress among his family and supporters, highlighting the broader implications of his detention for democratic processes in Albania.
Legal experts are scrutinizing the situation, particularly noting the manner in which Veliaj's detention was sanctioned without sufficient evidence of its necessity or proportionality. Former U.S. federal prosecutor Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz, has publicly stated that continuous imprisonment without formal charges violates principles of due process and challenges the rule of law.
Veliaj expressed his deep disappointment following the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing that his continued isolation is making it incredibly difficult to mount an effective defense against the allegations he faces. “Today was supposed to bring me closer to reuniting with my family,” he lamented. “Instead, I find myself abandoned in IVEP Durres, without adequate access to legal support or the necessary information to effectively counter these claims.”
Ben Brandon of Mishcon de Reya also commented on the situation, stating that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) explicitly prohibits arbitrary detention and mandates that any imprisonment must be a necessary, reasonable, and appropriate measure. As legal avenues are explored, including potential appeals, the ongoing situation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by political figures in volatile environments and the fundamental human rights at stake.
The complex case of Mayor Veliaj not only epitomizes the current legal climate in Albania but also underscores a critical intersection of power, justice, and human rights where the continuous incarceration of an elected official raises serious questions about the integrity of the legal system and its impact on public trust. As the saga unfolds, further updates are expected regarding Veliaj's legal battles and the international community's response to this incident.
A comprehensive report detailing the alleged wrongful detention of Mayor Veliaj is available from his legal representatives, who remain steadfast in pursuing all available international legal remedies in his defense. The authorities in Albania will likely face increased scrutiny as the case continues to develop, potentially impacting the political landscape across the nation and its relationship with international bodies advocating for justice and reform.
As this situation evolves, citizens and observers alike are called to monitor the legal proceedings and advocate for a fair and transparent judicial process that upholds fundamental human rights while ensuring accountability among public officials.