Erion Veliaj: I have not been officially informed about the dismissal procedure, I have not been given the right to defend myself

The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, responded in an official letter to the City Council regarding the procedure initiated for his dismissal, which is scheduled to be reviewed at the meeting called for tomorrow.

In the document signed by him, Veliaj emphasizes that he has not been officially informed by the Secretary of the City Council about the meeting, learning about it only through the media.

According to Veliaj, he has not been made aware of the materials on which the dismissal request is based, which, in his view, violates his constitutional right to defense.

“Even today, one day before the City Council’s decision, I have not been officially informed about the holding of a meeting where my dismissal as Mayor will be reviewed. I have not been notified of the reasons for dismissal, the materials that hold me accountable, the relevant clarifications from the Council, or the opportunity to present my explanations and evidence regarding the alleged violation and related documentation,” Veliaj writes.

He emphasizes that the lack of transparency and failure to notify him have made it impossible for him to participate in the process and exercise his right to be heard by the decision-making body, either physically or in writing.

“As a result, I have not been given the opportunity to defend myself, provide explanations, or be heard by this collegial body neither physically nor in writing especially since I am in pretrial detention due to a personal security measure, which limits my possibilities,” he continues in the letter addressed to the Council.

The City Council meeting to review Erion Veliaj’s dismissal is scheduled for tomorrow, while this letter highlights the lack of transparency and official notification from the decision-making institution.

“KORÇA BOOM”