FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The trial of the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, and 29 other defendants has been postponed to Friday at 09:00. Veliaj was not present at today's hearing and was represented by his lawyer, Plarent Ndreca.
Ajola Xoxa also did not physically attend the hearing, being represented by her lawyers. Present in the courtroom were the two prosecutors in the case, Ols Dado and Altin Dumani.
A day ago, the Special Court decided to repeal the security measures "obligation to appear" and "ban on leaving the country" for Ajola Xoxa.
The request for the lifting of these measures was submitted by Xoxa herself, who argued that her health condition, due to pregnancy, requires the possibility of moving abroad.
Erion Veliaj has been under the security measure of "prison arrest" since February 10, 2025. The Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) has filed 13 charges against him, including: passive corruption, money laundering, failure to declare assets, abuse of office, and bringing prohibited items into prison.
According to SPAK, the majority of the accusations are related to passive corruption, suspected in 9 cases, where it is alleged that Veliaj has benefited from monetary sums and real estate from various companies, which then received construction permits and public funds from the Municipality of Tirana.
Ajola Xoxa also faces charges of passive corruption in 9 cases. According to SPAK, these are related to relationships with commercial entities and non-profit organizations.
Meanwhile, after the end of today's session, lawyer Plarent Ndreca told the media that 'the mayor of Tirana is not being given the opportunity to defend himself.' He explained that Veliaj did not appear at today's session as he is still familiarizing himself with the file.
"It is a massive process. Erion Veliaj was not given the right to defend himself. The connection that the prosecutor makes with the defense is an emotional connection and has nothing to do with the role of the prosecutor."
There is no strategy to delay the process, but to get to know the case. I am still alone in this process and we will have a team of experts. The prosecution has had the infrastructure and human resources available to investigate the case and we are being asked to provide explanations, while we are not given the file.
"We are determined that the issue will be made public and live. Mr. Veliaj is determined to bring the truth to the citizens," said Ndreca.
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