Detained Tirana mayor asks court to speed up detention review

Lawyers for detained Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj asked Albania’s Supreme Court to speed up its review of his pre-trial detention after a Constitutional Court ruling sent the matter back for reconsideration.

The defence says further delays would affect both Veliaj’s freedom and his ability to serve as mayor.

Veliaj’s lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to assess whether keeping him in prison remains necessary and proportionate. They also want the court to consider alternative security measures.

The request also challenges the use of a glass enclosure during hearings. The defence says placing Veliaj behind glass without a specific security reason damages his dignity, presumption of innocence and ability to communicate with his lawyers.

Veliaj has been in detention since February 2025.