By Tirana Times
TIRANA, Albania Venesday March 12th—A special appeals court in Albania has upheld the
pretrial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, rejecting his request for a more lenient
security measure. The ruling, reaffirmed on Monday by Judge Engert Pëllumbi, has sparked
significant controversy, with Veliaj’s legal team and supporters condemning it as excessive
and politically motivated.
Legal Defense Decries “Absurd” Ruling
Veliaj, accused of passive corruption, active corruption, money laundering, and asset
concealment, had sought to overturn the February 12 decision of the Special Court Against
Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), which ordered his arrest. His lawyer, Maks
Haxhia, denounced the ruling as “unfounded and excessive,” particularly considering the
charges, which he argues fall more within the realm of administrative infractions rather than
high-risk criminal offenses.
Speaking after the decision, Haxhia, who also serves as the head of Albania’s National
Chamber of Advocacy, contended that detention should be reserved for cases supported by
robust investigative material.
“We expect a legal miracle from the Supreme Court because holding the mayor of the capital
in detention under these circumstances is unacceptable,” Haxhia stated. “This absurdity
happens only in Albania. How can someone who has been democratically elected three times
be considered a dangerous person?”
Haxhia also criticized the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime
(SPAK) for justifying Veliaj’s continued detention on the basis of “intimidation.” He argued
that such a justification is procedurally unsound and lacks concrete proof of evidence
tampering or witness coercion.
Wiretaps and Allegations of Procedural Overreach
A crucial component of the prosecution’s case is a series of wiretapped conversations
between Veliaj and his family, recorded while he was in a detention facility in Durrës.
Prosecutors have cited these recordings as new evidence, but Veliaj has dismissed them as
innocuous, calling for increased transparency and greater media access to court proceedings.
His defense team has raised serious concerns regarding SPAK’s authority, particularly its
surveillance practices. Haxhia pointed to reports that even a member of Albania’s
Constitutional Court had been subject to wiretapping, describing it as a “scandalous
situation” and warning of unchecked judicial overreach.
Political Ramifications for the Socialist Party
Veliaj’s arrest is a major blow to the ruling Socialist Party, coming just three months ahead of parliamentary elections. Long considered a close ally of Prime Minister Edi Rama and a
frontrunner to succeed him as party leader, Veliaj’s detention has sent shockwaves through
Albania’s political landscape.
Rama, who is seeking an unprecedented fourth consecutive term as prime minister, initially
distanced himself from commenting on the arrests of party officials. However, after Veliaj’s
detention, he broke his silence, openly criticizing SPAK and accusing certain prosecutors and
judges of political bias. He also hinted at post-election reforms targeting the justice system.
The opposition has seized upon the arrest as evidence of longstanding corruption within the
Socialist Party. Critics argue that SPAK had been slow to act against Veliaj despite mounting
allegations, while the prosecution has aggressively pursued opposition figures such as former
Prime Minister Sali Berisha and former President Ilir Meta. Opposition leaders have accused
SPAK of selective justice, alleging that it has been weaponized to weaken political rivals
while shielding ruling party officials until now.
Public Reaction and Implications for Judicial Reform
Public opinion on Veliaj’s arrest remains divided. Independent polls suggest that SPAK
enjoys significant public support, with many Albanians seeing the arrest as a necessary step
toward accountability in government. However, Veliaj’s supporters view the prosecution as
politically motivated, and crowds gathered outside the courthouse in protest during his
arraignment.
Several opposition parties and civil society organizations have backed SPAK’s anti-
corruption efforts and condemned Prime Minister Rama’s verbal attacks on prosecutors. The
European Union, which has been closely monitoring Albania’s judicial reforms as part of the
country’s EU accession process, has emphasized the need for independent judicial action
against corruption at all levels of governance.
Veliaj’s legal troubles underscore the growing assertiveness of Albania’s judiciary,
particularly SPAK, in handling high-profile corruption cases. However, concerns remain over
whether political influence can still shape legal outcomes. As Albania approaches critical
parliamentary elections, the case could prove to be a pivotal moment in defining the
country’s commitment to justice and democratic integrity.
Looking Ahead
With the Supreme Court expected to weigh in on the case, the outcome could have far-
reaching implications. A ruling in favor of Veliaj’s continued detention would reinforce
SPAK’s credibility, but a reversal could raise concerns about political interference in the
judiciary. Meanwhile, Rama faces the challenge of navigating a political landscape
increasingly shaped by corruption trials, opposition accusations, and growing public
dissatisfaction.
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will remain on the Supreme Court’s decision—a
ruling that could not only determine Veliaj’s fate but also signal the broader trajectory of
Albania’s anti-corruption efforts and judicial reform agenda.
