Details emerge from closed-door hearing on security measures against Tirana mayor
New information has surfaced regarding the closed-door session at the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO), where security measures against Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj were reviewed. According to reports, the session included a heated exchange between Veliaj and case prosecutor Olsi Dado, with the mayor accusing him of a conflict of interest.
Why is this important: With the prosecutor already being accused of political motives, procedural failures and a host of other violations in the high-profile case against Veliaj, the mayor’s accusation will likely serve to add more tensions and another layer of controversy.
Context: During the hearing, Veliaj confronted Dado over past interactions regarding construction permits, suggesting a personal vendetta against him. “You are in a conflict of interest; this is personal for you,” Veliaj allegedly charged. “You have come to me twice for a construction permit, and you received one from me. After being dissatisfied, you told me, ‘You will remember this.’”
Veliaj implied that Dado should recuse himself from the case or go and sit with the other developers involved in the case.
What else: As tensions escalated, presiding Judge Erion Bani reportedly warned Veliaj to maintain decorum in court.
What’s next: The incident highlights growing friction between judicial authorities and the Socialist Party. With the case ongoing, further legal and political clashes are expected in the coming weeks.
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