Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, has lashed out at his detention, claiming he still doesn’t know why he’s been jailed.
Speaking in court today, Veliaj, who was elected by the people, insisted he had done nothing wrong and was being targeted for his dedication.
“I have sacrificed weekends, holidays, and family time to serve this city. But cursed be the one who works in this country, because they become a target,” he said.
The hearing at Albania’s Special Court Against Organized Crime also revealed Veliaj’s denial of ownership of a controversial villa in Qerret.
“It’s natural for my child’s toys to be found there,” he explained, adding that his wife, Ajola Xoxa, is an only child and frequently visits her mother’s home.
Xoxa, also facing legal trouble, pleaded for her release, arguing that she is the sole caregiver for their child. Prosecutor Altin Dumani countered that house arrest was granted precisely for this reason.
The court ultimately ruled to KEEP Veliaj BEHIND BARS but eased restrictions for Xoxa—lifting her house arrest and replacing it with a twice-monthly reporting requirement, alongside a travel ban.
