Kasowitz LLP Releases Updated Report on Procedural Violations in Tirana Mayor's Case
On March 12, 2026, Kasowitz LLP, a prominent legal firm, published an updated report examining fundamental procedural violations that have been affecting the ongoing legal proceedings against Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, Albania. This report serves to update previous findings released in June and October of 2025, addressing the serious implications that these violations pose to the mayor's case.
The report outlines two critical updates that reveal troubling aspects of the ongoing investigation and judicial processes regarding Mayor Veliaj. Firstly, it draws attention to the actions of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in Albania, which have severely restricted Mayor Veliaj's access to crucial evidence pertinent to his defense. SPAK has repeatedly denied him access to approximately 60,000 pages of case materials necessary for preparing his legal strategy. Furthermore, there have been limitations placed on the communication methods between Veliaj and his defense attorney, hampering efforts to discuss evidence and formulate a robust defense.
In a recent ruling, a three-judge panel recognized the unjust nature of SPAK's obstruction, ordering the agency to provide the case materials to the mayor for review and postponing the trial for two weeks. While this ruling marks a positive step forward, significant concerns remain regarding whether Mayor Veliaj will have adequate time to review and analyze the extensive body of evidence within the limited timeframe.
Secondly, SPAK has been building questionable arguments to justify the continuation of Veliaj's pre-trial detention. Recently, they cited the mayor's lobbying activities as grounds for extending his incarceration. However, such lobbying efforts do not meet the legal criteria stated for justifying the detention of an accused individual. Kasowitz LLP asserts that the only rationale behind SPAK's argument is to penalize Veliaj for exercising his democratic rights, which he has used to highlight numerous procedural violations committed by SPAK during the investigation.
"It is deeply concerning that SPAK utilizes lawful public activities, including petitioning and engaging in public discussions regarding his case, as justifications for the continued unlawful detention of Mayor Veliaj in Albania," stated Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and international counsel to Mayor Veliaj. He emphasized that petitioning government authorities and publicly discussing one's situation are fundamental democratic rights, not reasons to forfeit personal freedom or incur punishment.
Fetterman further urged the U.S. government, which played a role in establishing SPAK and has provided consultancy support, to closely examine these disturbing trends and the underlying causes leading to this situation. "After more than a year of pretrial detention and multiple serious breaches of due process rights in Mayor Veliaj's case, it is appropriate for the U.S. authorities to investigate these matters, as outlined in our communications directed to the State Department and the Department of Justice."
Kasowitz's legal team representing Mayor Veliaj consists of distinguished members including Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi based in New York, alongside senior counsel Clarine Nardi Riddle and special counsel David Miller situated in Washington, D.C.
The full report is available for public access and review, highlighting the law firm's commitment to ensuring fair legal representation and the upholding of due process rights. As developments in this case unfold, the significance of procedural integrity cannot be understated in protecting the rights of public officials and maintaining the rule of law.
The report outlines two critical updates that reveal troubling aspects of the ongoing investigation and judicial processes regarding Mayor Veliaj. Firstly, it draws attention to the actions of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) in Albania, which have severely restricted Mayor Veliaj's access to crucial evidence pertinent to his defense. SPAK has repeatedly denied him access to approximately 60,000 pages of case materials necessary for preparing his legal strategy. Furthermore, there have been limitations placed on the communication methods between Veliaj and his defense attorney, hampering efforts to discuss evidence and formulate a robust defense.
In a recent ruling, a three-judge panel recognized the unjust nature of SPAK's obstruction, ordering the agency to provide the case materials to the mayor for review and postponing the trial for two weeks. While this ruling marks a positive step forward, significant concerns remain regarding whether Mayor Veliaj will have adequate time to review and analyze the extensive body of evidence within the limited timeframe.
Secondly, SPAK has been building questionable arguments to justify the continuation of Veliaj's pre-trial detention. Recently, they cited the mayor's lobbying activities as grounds for extending his incarceration. However, such lobbying efforts do not meet the legal criteria stated for justifying the detention of an accused individual. Kasowitz LLP asserts that the only rationale behind SPAK's argument is to penalize Veliaj for exercising his democratic rights, which he has used to highlight numerous procedural violations committed by SPAK during the investigation.
"It is deeply concerning that SPAK utilizes lawful public activities, including petitioning and engaging in public discussions regarding his case, as justifications for the continued unlawful detention of Mayor Veliaj in Albania," stated Daniel Fetterman, a partner at Kasowitz LLP and international counsel to Mayor Veliaj. He emphasized that petitioning government authorities and publicly discussing one's situation are fundamental democratic rights, not reasons to forfeit personal freedom or incur punishment.
Fetterman further urged the U.S. government, which played a role in establishing SPAK and has provided consultancy support, to closely examine these disturbing trends and the underlying causes leading to this situation. "After more than a year of pretrial detention and multiple serious breaches of due process rights in Mayor Veliaj's case, it is appropriate for the U.S. authorities to investigate these matters, as outlined in our communications directed to the State Department and the Department of Justice."
Kasowitz's legal team representing Mayor Veliaj consists of distinguished members including Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi based in New York, alongside senior counsel Clarine Nardi Riddle and special counsel David Miller situated in Washington, D.C.
The full report is available for public access and review, highlighting the law firm's commitment to ensuring fair legal representation and the upholding of due process rights. As developments in this case unfold, the significance of procedural integrity cannot be understated in protecting the rights of public officials and maintaining the rule of law.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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