Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, has spoken out after his arrest on corruption and money laundering charges, insisting there is no real evidence against him.
In a Facebook post from prison, Veliaj said he is still only a suspect and has not been officially charged because investigators have failed to find any proof that he took bribes or received illegal money.
“I am still just a suspect, not charged, because they have no real facts against me,” he wrote. He also accused Special Prosecutor Olsi Dado of using his government phone to ask for a construction permit for himself.
Veliaj believes he has been jailed to stop him from speaking to journalists and responding to the accusations. He described the court hearing as a “slaughterhouse” rather than a fair trial.
He also mocked the idea that he has hidden wealth, joking about claims that investigators searched his home by removing sinks and floors in an attempt to find hidden gold.
“They say I have one million euros in goods—where is the truck full of cash? Even my wife’s dresses have been dragged into this case,” he said.
Despite his legal troubles, Veliaj encouraged his supporters to stay positive and continue working for the good of Tirana.
