Erion Veliaj files disciplinary request against prosecutor Olsi Dado over alleged conflict of interest and misconduct

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has submitted a formal request to the High Inspectorate of Justice and the High Prosecutorial Council, seeking disciplinary action and the suspension of Prosecutor Olsi Dado. Veliaj accuses Dado of violating legal procedures in handling the criminal case against him and alleges a clear conflict of interest due to Dado’s personal involvement in construction permit applications.

Why is this important: Veliaj’s has repeatedly claimed that the prosecutor harbors a personal grudge because of his conflict of interest, alleging that the prosecutor handling his case personally benefited from a municipal construction permit. The mayor contends that after rejecting Dado’s request for additional floors in a construction project, the prosecutor retaliated by initiating legal proceedings against him.

Context: In his request, Veliaj presents detailed evidence suggesting that Dado used a state-funded phone to apply for a construction permit for his personal gain. He further claims that after denying Dado’s request for additional square meters, the prosecutor responded with threats and coercion.

“This concerns a construction permit in which Prosecutor Olsi Dado was granted development rights under Decision No. U-14078/4, dated 09.09.2021, and Building Permit No. U-14078/6, dated 21.09.2021, issued by the Mayor of Tirana. At the time, Prosecutor Dado was dissatisfied with the approved square meters and sent text messages demanding an extension,” states Veliaj.

During a court hearing, Dado admitted to sending a thank-you message to the mayor regarding the permit but did not disclose the full extent of his communication. Veliaj argues that this partial admission conceals a larger pattern of improper interactions, including physical meetings with city officials regarding his personal interests.

“A person does not send a thank-you message to the mayor or anyone else without prior communication,” Veliaj stated, adding that Dado failed to disclose meetings he allegedly held at City Hall for personal gain.

Request for disciplinary action: Veliaj’s submission to the High Inspectorate of Justice (ILD) and the High Prosecutorial Council (KLP) formally requests:

·       The initiation of disciplinary proceedings against Prosecutor Olsi Dado for misconduct in handling the criminal case against Veliaj.

·       The suspension of Dado from his position due to a clear conflict of interest in the case.

In his statement, Veliaj maintains that Dado’s direct personal involvement in a construction permit should have automatically disqualified him from overseeing the case.

“The essence of my request is my previously stated position that Prosecutor Olsi Dado—who also operates as a developer—should have been removed from my case. He can never be objective in representing the charges against me,” Veliaj argues.

“He used a taxpayer-funded phone to request a building permit for his personal gain. When his request for additional floors was denied, he retaliated with threats and coercion.”

Citing Albanian judicial regulations, Veliaj insists that a prosecutor in such a situation must step aside from a case where a personal conflict exists. He references Article 102 of Law No. 96/2016, which mandates that magistrates recuse themselves if they have a direct or indirect personal interest in a case.

Additionally, Veliaj argues that even if Dado had been granted favors by City Hall, he would still be in a conflict of interest, as his involvement in the case would directly impact the accused—who also happens to be the authority that granted the permit.

What’s next: The High Inspectorate of Justice and the High Prosecutorial Council must now review the request and determine whether disciplinary measures should be taken against Prosecutor Olsi Dado.