Erion Veliaj’s transfer to Fier, Prisons Directorate: Procedures were followed, order classified as a “state secret

Following media speculation about Erion Veliaj’s transfer to the Fier Institution for the Execution of Prison Sentences (IEVP), the General Directorate of Prisons (DPB) issued a press release. The institution described the public clarification of standard internal procedures as unusual and said that the transfer of detainee E.V. was part of measures recently taken to ensure the security and proper functioning of institutions enforcing criminal sentences.

According to the DPB, upon arrival at the Fier IEVP, the admission procedures set out in Article 38 of Law No. 81/2020, dated 25.6.2020, “On the rights and treatment of sentenced prisoners and pretrial detainees,” as well as in Article 15 of the General Prisons Regulation, approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 209, dated 06.04.2022, were followed.

In implementation of paragraph 4 of Article 15 of this regulation, on 28.10.2026, E.V. was placed in the admissions, or observation, section. The directorate said he was treated correctly, in accordance with the legal framework and in the same manner as in other cases. One day later, on 29.10.2026, the responsible structures of the Fier IEVP met with him in the observation sector, heard his claims and explained his rights and obligations during his stay at the institution. The admissions commission then continued with his full placement, based on an individual assessment and the relevant procedures.

Regarding the transfer order, the DPB clarified that it was approved in accordance with standard procedures, but is among the documents classified as a “state secret.” For this reason, its administration, access and disclosure are subject to the conditions, criteria and procedures set out in Law No. 10/2023, “On classified information,” as well as the bylaws for its implementation. The directorate added that the prosecutorial body had also been notified of the transfer of detainee E.V., in accordance with the legislation in force.

The institution referred to Article 78 of Law No. 81/2020 and Articles 106–108 of the General Prisons Regulation, approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 209, dated 6.4.2022. According to these provisions, the order to transfer a prisoner for any justified reason is issued by the Director General of Prisons. The DPB stressed that the assessment and decision fall within the director general’s administrative authority and discretion, as a routine working practice supported by the documentation on file and exercised within the conditions established by law.

As an indication that transfers are also carried out in other cases, the DPB stated that from 16.10.2026 to 27.10.2026 it had carried out 24 (twenty-four) transfers within the legal framework. In conclusion, the directorate declared that it would continue taking measures to ensure security, prevent incidents and maintain the proper functioning of the institutions, while respecting the rights and dignity of incarcerated persons.