“100 days in prison”: Veliaj says detention is unjust, vows to keep fighting
On the 100th day since his arrest, Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana, issued a public message from prison, denouncing his continued detention as arbitrary and unjust. In a social media post, he said he is being forcibly prevented from carrying out his duties as a mayor elected by a large majority.
Why is this important: Veliaj remains in custody under charges of corruption and money laundering, despite not being formally indicted. He claims the ongoing detention is a violation of his electoral mandate and an attack on democratic institutions. His case has sparked political debate about the line between justice and political obstruction.
Veliaj’s message from prison: “Today marks 100 days since my imprisonment without any reasonable justification. My unjust and arbitrary detention continues, even though I have not been accused of any criminal offense,” he wrote.
“As a result, I am being forcibly obstructed from exercising my duties as the elected Mayor of Tirana — elected three times with a massive vote.”
Despite the situation, Veliaj emphasized that he remains determined and will continue to pursue all legal avenues to secure his release.
The day before, Veliaj filed an appeal with the High Court against the decision to keep him in pre-trial detention. The appeal challenges a ruling by the Special Court of Appeals for Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), which upheld the original decision for “arrest in prison.”
He was first detained in February on charges related to corruption and money laundering.
What else: Veliaj framed his imprisonment not just as a personal injustice but as a broader institutional issue.
“The continuation of this pretrial detention is not only an attack on me and my family, but also an unnecessary and disproportionate interference with the fulfillment of my public duties, entrusted to me by the citizens of Tirana. Despite being in prison, I remain unbroken. Each passing day only strengthens my determination. My commitment to Tirana, to all of you, to democracy, to the rule of law, and to Albania’s future remains unwavering. I will continue to pursue every legal path to secure my release, so I can keep serving our wonderful city as your mayor. With love and longing for each of you!”
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