Court leaves Erion Veliaj in prison, Xoxa required to appear

The Criminal Court of Albania (GJKKO) has upheld the security measure “Arrest in prison” against Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, suspected of corruption and money laundering.

During the hearing, Veliaj’s lawyers requested conditional release in exchange for a financial guarantee. While for his wife, Ajola Xoxa, the measure was reduced to an obligatory appearance.

During the hearing, Veliaj categorically denied the charges, claiming that he was only doing his duty. He also stated that he was not explained why he was arrested, and according to him, “he took revenge on his family who worked even on weekends.”

“It has not been explained to me even today why I am arrested, I, a mayor who was voted in by the people of Tirana, have done my duty. I have taken revenge on my family because I worked on Saturdays and Sundays and even on holidays.

But cursed be the one who works in this country, because he becomes the object of attack and finds himself in this situation that I am in today. The villa in Qerret is not ours, it is natural that my child’s toys will be there and that my wife is an only child and my mother-in-law and I don’t know why it seems so unnatural that the child’s toys are at the grandmother’s house,” Veliaj said in court.

The hearing against Mayor Erion Veliaj began in the early hours of the morning, but even with interruptions it lasted over 7 hours. Also present at the hearing was Veliaj’s wife, Ajola Xoxa, accused of corruption, money laundering and failure to declare income in collaboration with Veliaj.

Also present in the courtroom were the other 4 businessmen involved in the investigation file: Meriman Palushi, Fatmir Bektashi, Sokol Kryeziu and Shkelqim Fusha, for whom the “compulsory appearance” measure remained in force.

Also present was businessman Elman Abule, arrested two days ago as involved in Veliaj’s investigation file, while the “prison arrest” measure against him did not change.

There was also no shortage of debates. It was the mayor who addressed prosecutor Olsi Dado in harsh tones, reminding him that he is in a conflict of interest after having granted him a building permit. Media sources indicate that the mayor of Tirana “burst out” at the Special Prosecutor Olsi Dado, at whose request Veliaj is currently behind bars.

The mayor is said to have mentioned to Dado the “good things” he had done for him by granting him a building permit, although at the time, according to the mayor, the prosecutor did not appreciate them and “was not satisfied”.

Erion Veliaj is accused of committing 4 criminal offenses, active and passive corruption, money laundering and failure to declare assets, while Ajola Xoxa is charged with corruption, money laundering and failure to declare assets. Businessman Abule is charged with money laundering, while the other 4 businessmen are charged with active corruption.

Meanwhile, a large number of citizens have protested demanding Veliaj’s release, outside the premises of the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime.