#USA #New York #Erion Veliaj #Kasowitz LLP #Mishcon de Reya

Updated Report on the Political Persecution of Erion Veliaj

On October 28, 2025, Kasowitz LLP from New York and Mishcon de Reya LLP from London announced the release of an updated report regarding Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj titled "Report on the Political Persecution of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj." This report revises their initial findings, previously released on June 24, 2025, concerning the unjust detention of the democratically elected mayor of Albania's capital.

Background of the Report

The newly published document delves into the apparent political motivations behind the actions of the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) against Mayor Veliaj. Over the past eight months, a series of events have raised significant doubts that SPAK's prosecution of the mayor is merely routine legal proceedings. Since his arrest in February, Mayor Veliaj has been denied bail, despite the absence of any credible flight risk, the likelihood of obstructing investigations, or the possibility of committing similar offenses for which he is being charged. The report highlights that while 17 other defendants tied to the same case were released under minimal conditions, Mayor Veliaj's continued detention underscores a troubling disparity in how the Albanian authorities have treated him.

Concerns Over Political Motivations

Moreover, the updated report indicates that recent political developments have intensified fears that the case against Mayor Veliaj is a politically charged maneuver aimed at removing him from office in violation of the Albanian constitution. In September, the Tirana City Council voted to dismiss him from his position, citing his involuntary detention. This decision was made even as the President of the Republic announced plans for new elections to replace Mayor Veliaj, fuelling suspicions that his detention is a pretext for the Albanian authorities to unlawfully strip him of his role and deprive the citizens of Tirana of their right to local governance.

Response from the Constitutional Court

While the Constitutional Court has temporarily halted such actions until a decision is made regarding Mayor Veliaj's appeal against the city council's dismissal, the report extensively analyzes the implications of this constitutional crisis. One of the key insights is that Mayor Veliaj's case exemplifies a disturbing challenge to Albania's commitment to due process. The document asserts that the recent political actions targeting Mayor Veliaj have undermined his presumption of innocence—a right guaranteed to him—while unjustly infringing upon his freedom and office, all before any judicial trial has commenced.

Conclusion

The report concludes by making it clear that the unfolding situation raises significant questions about rule of law and justice in Albania. Copy of the updated report on Veliaj is available for those interested. For all inquiries related to this report, contact Shannon O'Reilly at Kasowitz LLP.

Team Involved

The legal team at Kasowitz includes partners Daniel J. Fetterman and Brian S. Choi based in New York, along with Chief Counsel Clarine Nardi Riddle and Special Advisor David Miller from Washington, D.C. The Mishcon de Reya team comprises partners James Libson and Ben Brandon, along with senior associate Celia Marrow and associates Grace Houghton and Elizabeth Fitton.

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