One year ago today, Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, was handcuffed in his office, under suspicion of corruption and money laundering.
He was seen leaving the office with a file in his hand and quietly got into the car to be transferred to the security block on "Mine Peza" street.
At the time the police put him in handcuffs, Veliaj appeared "live" on every television after recording an activity the day before the arrest warrant was signed, not knowing that he was expected to be arrested on February 10. The following days were accompanied by strong debates, while Veliaj launched attacks on the special prosecutors from his detention cell in Durrës.
Today, a year ago, he was in prison. Yesterday (February 9) the Special Court decided to pass the criminal case against the mayor, his wife and other defendants for trial. Veliaj is accused of 9 episodes of corruption, money laundering, concealment of assets and abuse of office. In total, 13 criminal charges. According to SPAK, he has created a complex corruption scheme, where due to his position he has benefited from bribes through companies run directly or indirectly by his wife Ajola Xoxa.
Two foreign law firms contracted by Veliaj, Kasowitz and Mishcon de Reya reacted on February 10, describing the mayor's arrest as unjust and illegal, where according to them he is facing the denial of the right to a fair legal process and clear political persecution.
Veliaj, meanwhile, is continuing every effort to leave the detention cells, even though so far the courts have rejected his requests.
