Erion Veliaj
The Veliaj case and Albania’s justice reform at a crossroads: the need for checks and balances
In the days following the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, there has been a whirlwind of debates, legal arguments, and political accusations. Yet, amid all the noise, one particular...
PM Rama denies speculation on Veliaj meeting amid opposition sponsored conspiracy theories
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly refuted claims that he planned to visit detained Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj in prison, dismissing the reports as “fake news” propagated by political...
Public reacts to Veliaj’s arrest: protests, online mobilization and political divide
Tirana has seen a wave of public reactions following the arrest of Mayor Erion Veliaj, with both vocal support and visible celebrations from his political opponents. While the Democratic Party...
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...
We are not a Prosecutorial Republic: on Tirana’s 105th Anniversary, PM Rama denounces SPAK’s handling of mayor’s arrest
In a late evening event celebrating the 105th anniversary of Tirana being declared Albania’s capital, Prime Minister Edi Rama delivered his most forceful criticism yet of SPAK’s prosecution of arrested...
Berisha accuses Rama of fearing Veliaj’s testimony
Opposition leader Sali Berisha has accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of being afraid that Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj will testify about his involvement in corruption before the Special Structure Against...
Prime Minister criticizes SPAK over Tirana Mayor’s arrest, refuses to dismiss him
Prime Minister Edi Rama declared on Tuesday that he will not dismiss Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, following his arrest by the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime...
Tirana Mayor’s arrest sparks controversy and accusations of political bias against SPAK
Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana and a top figure in Albania’s Socialist Party (SP), was arrested on Monday on charges of passive corruption and money laundering. The arrest, just...
Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya honored in Tirana
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was awarded the “Key to the City” by Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, during her visit to the “Free Cities Pact” summit. Veliaj emphasized Albania’s open...
Albanian Prime Minister reflects on key issues in marathon end-of-year press conference
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted his annual end-of-year press conference, a record-breaking 3-hour and 15-minute session that covered a wide range of topics, from his defense of Tirana Mayor Erion...