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The Supreme Court left him in prison/ Erion Veliaj's international lawyers react

2025-07-09 17:19:00, Aktualitet CNA

The Supreme Court left him in prison/ Erion Veliaj's international lawyers

The two foreign law firms, Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya, which are pursuing the case against the arrested mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, have reacted today after the decision issued on Tuesday by the High Court, which left in force the security measure of 'prison arrest' against Veliaj.

Through a reaction on social media, international lawyers claim that it is a decision without charges.

Full statement from Erion Veliaj's international lawyers:

“Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Albania decided that Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, will remain in custody at the Durrës Penitentiary, Albania. The closed-door hearing was held on July 8, 2025, at 12:00, after reviewing the documents. Mayor Veliaj firmly denies any allegations.

After nearly 5 months in detention and a nearly two-year investigation by the Special Prosecution of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (“SPAK”), Mayor Veliaj is still denied access to his international lawyers. Mr. Veliaj’s detention has caused much concern for his family and friends.

Mr. Veliaj's detention without charge has previously been approved by the courts without conducting a meaningful assessment of whether his arrest is necessary, proportionate or reasonable, and without proper assessment of alternative preventive measures.

Daniel Fetterman, a former federal prosecutor in the United States and partner at Kasowitz LLP, one of the international firms that recently published a joint investigative report regarding the illegal imprisonment of Mayor Veliaj, said:

“The detention of Mayor Veliaj - without charge and when there are options for clearer, proportionate and reasonable alternative measures of detention - is contrary to established principles of due process, and incompatible with the rule of law.”

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, said:

"Today's decision by the Supreme Court is extremely disappointing. Today, I should have been one step closer to returning home, to my family. But, instead, I find myself imprisoned and in solitary confinement in the Durrës Penitentiary, unable to meet with my international legal advisors or to have the information necessary to defend myself. I will continue to pursue all legal avenues in order to serve Tirana again."

Ben Brandon, Partner, Mishcon de Reya added:

“The European Convention on Human Rights (“ECHR”) prohibits arbitrary detention, and guarantees that arrest must be a necessary, proportionate and reasonable measure. We are awaiting the full decision of the Supreme Court, but are considering all possible legal measures. We remain extremely concerned that the detention of Mayor Veliaj is in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights.”

Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya will continue to vigorously pursue all possible international legal remedies on behalf of Mayor Veliaj.” /CNA 





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