Tirana’s mayor Erion Veliaj endured an intense eight-hour court hearing that led to his detention. This event marks a most important shift in Albanian politics. The heated session turned dramatic when Veliaj confronted prosecutor Olsi Dado about personal conflicts of interest.
The Special Prosecutor’s Office of Albania (SPAK) has revealed charges against Veliaj that include passive corruption and money laundering of public funds from Tirana’s municipality. His wife, Ajola Xoxa, and five businessmen are also under investigation, which adds another layer to this complex case. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court to show their solidarity. However, the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime managed to keep Veliaj in custody, even after his defense team tried to secure his release by offering property guarantees.
Prosecutor Dado Faces Conflict of Interest Claims in Court
“You are in a conflict of interest; this is personal for you” — Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana
Tension filled the courtroom as Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj confronted prosecutor Olsi Dado about serious allegations of conflict of interest. A closed-door session exposed unexpected friction between these officials. Their strained relationship stemmed from previous interactions about construction permits.
Building Permit Dispute Emerges
The conflict started when Dado approached Veliaj to get municipal building permits through official channels. The prosecutor’s disappointment with permit decisions created what Veliaj now claims is a personal vendetta.
Mayor Alleges Personal Vendetta
The courtroom witnessed a dramatic moment when Veliaj challenged Dado’s objectivity. “You have a conflict of interest, it’s personal with me,” he stated firmly. Veliaj revealed that Dado had made threatening remarks after the permit decision, warning that he would “remember this”. The mayor asked for the prosecutor’s immediate recusal and presented two choices: withdraw from the proceedings or acknowledge his position among other developers in the case.
Judge Erjon Bani had to intervene to maintain courtroom decorum. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared his concerns about the case’s handling and described it as a “400-page detective novel” that raises questions about constitutional overreach. The case also covers allegations with public funds of 1.1 million Euro (USD 1.13 million).
Judge Intervenes as Courtroom Tensions Escalate
Judge Erion Bani’s firm intervention became a turning point during the lengthy court proceedings against Tirana’s mayor. The six-hour hearing started at 13:30 and ended at 19:20, with rising tensions that needed the judge’s authority to keep order.
Maintaining Judicial Decorum
The atmosphere grew tense between Mayor Veliaj and the prosecution. Judge Bani stepped in firmly and called attention to the mayor’s tone. He just needed proper courtroom behavior. This happened at a crucial moment when talks about property ownership and financial dealings almost disrupted the court’s serious nature.
Security Measures Debate Intensifies
The high-profile case required tight security arrangements. A dedicated police van brought Veliaj to the Special Court Against Corruption. Two officers escorted his wife, Ajola Xoxa, who was under house arrest. Security teams watched the courthouse perimeter carefully.
Legal Team’s Strategic Moves
The defense team worked under pressure and suggested alternatives to detention. The lawyers put forward substantial property guarantees to change his security status from “arrest in prison” to a lighter measure. They also asked for a “compulsory appearance” measure for Xoxa that showed their careful planning to get better conditions for their clients.
The court got into details about a villa in Qerret during the proceedings. Veliaj stood firm that it belonged to his mother-in-law and said, “It is only natural that my child’s toys are there”. The prosecution focused on specific items they found in their investigation, including clothes with unique codes and personal items.
SPAK Unveils New Evidence Against Veliaj
“You have come to me twice for a construction permit” — Erion Veliaj, Mayor of Tirana
SPAK’s investigation has found a vast network of financial dealings between Erion Veliaj and his wife, Ajola Xoxa. The Special Prosecution Office identified a sophisticated system that received irregular benefits from Tirana Municipality’s public funds.
Money Laundering Investigation Details
Veliaj and Xoxa arranged a complex scheme through multiple entities. Investigators found €95,000 in cash, nearly $15,000, and 665,000 lek at Xoxa’s company, Partners Law. The court ordered a freeze on bank accounts at Intesa Sanpaolo Bank and Banka Kombëtare Tregtare that held about €870,000.
The corrupt scheme worked through several organizations:
- Four NGOs: ‘H.’, ‘E.’, ‘M.’, and ‘B.-A’
- Multiple companies: ‘PL’, ‘AL’, ‘AS’, ‘NG’, and ‘R.’
These Xoxa-controlled entities generated illegal income of 110 million lek through various transactions.
Property Documentation Trail
SPAK’s investigation revealed major undeclared expenses, especially when it came to online purchases of clothing and jewelry that reached 86.7 million lek over four years. A villa in Qerret became a vital piece of evidence in the money laundering investigation.
The proceeding body confirmed these transactions as part of a systematic corruption scheme that operated for years. The investigation now includes Klotilda Bushka, a Socialist Party member of parliament, who allegedly interfered with the investigation. Veliaj faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
How Public Support Shapes Legal Proceedings
Hundreds of supporters poured onto the streets outside the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime to protest Erion Veliaj’s detention. Helena Kadare, wife of renowned writer Ismail Kadare, made a rare public appearance that added weight to the rally by standing with Veliaj and his wife.
Supporters Rally Outside Court
Municipal workers joined the protests and blocked a section of Jordan Misja Street. Socialist Party supporters held up banners showing public buildings in the capital. Yet civil society members raised concerns about government support for an official facing corruption charges.
Social Media Response Analysis
A digital movement with the hashtag #Melalin quickly spread across Albanian platforms. The online campaign highlighted several achievements:
- Parks and public squares development
- Stories from local communities
- Community cleanup projects
- Programs that got youth involved
Political Party Reactions
This case has changed into a major political debate as the May 11 parliamentary election approaches. Prime Minister Edi Rama stood by Veliaj and said the arrest broke proper procedures and involved witness intimidation. Opposition figures from the Democratic Party saw SPAK’s actions differently and asked the head of government to be held accountable.
The High Court Council asked political groups not to attack prosecutors and judges. Citizens and supporters from political movements “Shqipëria Bëhet” and “Nisma Thurje” held separate protests and asked Prime Minister Rama to step down.
Conclusion
Of course, Erion Veliaj’s case represents a defining moment in Albania’s fight against corruption. A heated exchange between Veliaj and prosecutor Dado revealed deep-rooted tensions in Albania’s justice system. SPAK’s investigation found an alleged complex network of financial transactions through multiple entities.
Investigators found substantial undeclared expenses and frozen bank accounts worth €870,000. The questionable property ownership patterns showed signs of systematic corruption. The public’s reaction outside the courthouse showed Albania’s divided society, as supporters stood behind Veliaj while others just needed accountability.
This case surpasses simple corruption charges and challenges Albania’s political accountability system. Helena Kadare’s involvement and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public defense of Veliaj highlight the case’s importance beyond the courtroom.
The Special Court Against Corruption has kept Veliaj in detention despite property guarantees. This landmark case ended up reshaping Albanian political dynamics. Its outcome will shape public trust in anti-corruption efforts and create precedents for future investigations into public officials.
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