Veliaj responds after 6 months in prison: "No violations in 12 years of duty – this is political persecution!"

From the detention cell in Durrës, suspended Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj responds for the first time directly to the charges brought against him by SPAK.

In a lengthy and articulate statement, Veliaj describes the entire investigative process as an attempt at “political elimination,” emphasizing that there is no evidence of any legal violations during his mandate.

“After 12 years in public office, no violation has been found. None. This is a criminal prosecution with a political background,” Veliaj declares, accusing judicial structures of selective law enforcement and blatant violations of procedural rights.

Veliaj says he was officially notified of the charges by five BKH agents inside the cell, just minutes after the news was released in the media. “Every norm of protection and investigative secrecy was broken. The goal was public pressure, not justice,” he writes. He further claims that the case against him is based on an anonymous complaint from an unidentified person, with no name, address, or legal representative.

He lists some of the major projects completed during his time as mayor, emphasizing that none were found to have violations in audits or investigations. He mentions the incinerator, the National Theater, the New Bazaar, the Pyramid, Astir, “Sami Frashëri” school, and reconstruction roads — calling them “historic interventions” that transformed the city.

“Every project was done with procedures, supervision, and audits. There is no illegal decision, no manipulated tender, no fictitious contract,” he asserts.

One of the strongest accusations in his message is the prohibition on contacting international lawyers preparing his defense for the European Court of Human Rights. According to Veliaj, this clearly shows the process is being managed through political pressure rather than the law.

“My lawyers are not allowed to meet me. Their requests receive no response. They talk about justice while my defense is being blocked,” he writes.

At the end of his statement, Veliaj poses several questions he says are directed not only at judicial institutions but also at public opinion:

• Why do investigations start from an anonymous letter?

• Why is the media informed before the accused?

• Why are charges formulated after a critical interview about the system?

• Why is communication with international lawyers prohibited?

  
  

He warns that he will pursue the case at all levels, including international ones, seeking justice and transparency.

Veliaj closes his message on a personal note, calling this persecution a price he pays for the work done in Tirana:“I built 50 schools for children, but I cannot take my son on the first day of school. This is the reality of the justice being exercised against me,” he concludes.

Veliaj’s statement has immediately sparked debate in public and political circles. While his supporters consider the arrest politically motivated, the opposition demands that justice proceed without interference and that decisions be made according to the law.

“KORÇA BOOM”