Ilir Panda Withdraws from “Veliaj” Case Trial / New Panel to Review Mayor’s Appeal

Supreme Court judge Ilir Panda has recused himself from handling the criminal case of Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj. Immediately after this action, a new judicial panel was appointed to review Veliaj’s appeal in this court.

The judicial panel now consists of Sandër Simoni, who will serve as the case rapporteur, and members Sokol Binaj and Albana Boksi.

The return of the case to the Supreme Court came as a result of a Constitutional Court decision on May 25, which, by a majority of 5 votes to 3, ordered its reconsideration.

Erion Veliaj has been in pre-trial detention since February 10, 2025. He and his wife, Ajola Xoxa, face corruption charges in 9 separate episodes. The mayor also faces other criminal offenses, such as abuse of office and money laundering.

The newly formed Supreme Court panel is now expected to examine Veliaj’s appeal and determine the next legal steps. In its decision, it will have to assess whether the security measure of “prison arrest” is proportionate to the circumstances of the case.