Veliaj remained in prison, his foreign lawyers react after the Supreme Court's decision

A day after the Supreme Court's decision that upheld the "prison arrest" measure for Erion Veliaj, his international lawyers have reacted by raising serious concerns about violations of human rights and due process.

Two well-known law firms, Kasowitz LLP and Mishcon de Reya, stated that Veliaj has been held in detention for five months, without a specific charge and without consideration of alternative measures, which according to them is in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights.

 They warn that they will pursue the matter in international instances.

From his cell at the Durrës Penitentiary Institution, Veliaj reacted through a statement, calling the decision "extremely disappointing" and underlining that he will pursue every legal avenue to resume his duties.

"I find myself in isolation, deprived of contact with my international lawyers. But I do not give up," he declared.

Full statement:

STATEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS OF THE MAYOR OF TIRANA, ERION VELIAJ, REGARDING THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT

9 July 2025, Tirana: Yesterday, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Albania ruled that Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, will remain in custody at the Durrës Penitentiary, Albania. The closed-door hearing was held on 8 July 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 of the Supreme Court is extremely disappointing.

Today, I should have been one step closer to returning home to my family. Instead, I find myself imprisoned and in solitary confinement at 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.”

The full report on the unjust arrest of Mayor Veliaj can be found here. Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya will continue to vigorously pursue all possible international legal remedies on behalf of Mayor Veliaj.