Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu sends letter from prison congratulating Veliaj on court decision

From his prison cell in Silivri, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sent a letter to Erion Veliaj, congratulating the Tirana mayor on the Constitutional Court’s decision to reinstate his mandate.

Why is this important: Both mayors are currently in detention, accused of corruption in politically sensitive cases. Imamoglu’s message of solidarity positions their struggles within a wider narrative of democratic resistance and highlights the symbolic weight of Veliaj’s legal win beyond Albania.

Context: Imamoglu, who has been in detention since late March, praised the Albanian court ruling as a sign of trust in the rule of law and democratic values.

“This decision represents far more than personal relief. It stands as a powerful symbol of trust in democratic governance, the rule of law, and the sovereign will of the people of Tirana. Even when delayed, justice cannot be denied,” he wrote.

Imamoglu also emphasized the shared experiences between the two leaders, referring to Veliaj as a fellow defender of democracy: “Our joint experiences reveal a truth that transcends borders: the fight for democracy in one country is a fight for democracy everywhere. Every stand for justice and defense of the rule of law strengthens the global effort for free and fair societies.”

What else: Both mayors have been seen as rising stars in their respective social-democratic parties. Despite being under investigation, they remain politically influential figures and symbols of institutional pushback against what supporters call politically motivated prosecutions.