Supreme Court keeps Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj in jail; full reasoning of the verdict awaited

The Supreme Court is not changing its decision on the security measure against Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj.

The Supreme Court decided just moments ago, upholding the “prison arrest” security measure against the mayor.

“The Criminal College of the Supreme Court, convened on 15 September 2026 in the deliberation chamber, reviewed the criminal file with parties: Claimant: Erion Veliaj, Interested Party: the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime, subject: the annulment of decisions no. 7, dated 09.02.2025, of the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime, validated through decision no. 14, dated 12.02.2025, of the Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized Crime; no. 13, dated 13.03.2025, of the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime; no. 00-2025-1153 (176), dated 08.07.2025, of the Criminal College of the Supreme Court. Court costs charged to the interested subject,” the decision states.

“Having reviewed the case, the College, based on Article 441, point 1, letter “e” of the Criminal Procedure Code, decided: to uphold Decision no. 13 (87-2025-85), dated 13.03.2025 of the Special Court of Appeal for Corruption and Organized Crime,” the ruling says.

Veliaj is being investigated on 13 criminal charges. He is being tried at the GJKKO alongside a large number of defendants, including his wife, Ajola Xoxa. The mayor has been held in pre-trial detention since 10 February 2025, while he calls the arrest unlawful and unproven by SPAK.

The Constitutional Court sent Veliaj’s measure request back to the Supreme Court for review, arguing it must be reasoned why another measure besides prison arrest would not be appropriate.