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

Following media speculation about Erion Veliaj’s transfer to Fier Prison, the General Directorate of Prisons (GDP) issued a press release. The institution described it as an unusual clarification concerning standard internal procedures and said the transfer of pretrial detainee E. V. was part of measures recently taken to ensure the security and proper operation of institutions responsible for enforcing criminal sentences.

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

Under paragraph 4 of Article 15 of this regulation, on 28.10.2026 he was placed in the admission, or observation, section. The Directorate said he was treated properly and in the same way provided for under the legal framework in other cases.

The following day, 29.10.2026, the responsible staff at Fier Prison met with him in the observation section. During the meeting, they heard his claims and explained the rights and obligations associated with staying at the institution. The admission committee then proceeded with his full placement, based on an individual assessment and the relevant procedures.

Regarding the transfer order, the GDP clarified that it was approved in accordance with standard procedures but is included on the list of documents classified as a “state secret.” For this reason, its handling, access and disclosure are governed by the conditions, criteria and procedures set out in Law No. 10/2023, “On classified information,” and the implementing regulations.

The Directorate also said that the prosecution service had been notified of the transfer of pretrial detainee E. V., in accordance with the legislation in force.

The institution cited 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. Under these provisions, transfer orders for any justified reason are issued by the Director General of Prisons. The assessment and decision to transfer someone, based on the documentation on file, fall within the Director General’s administrative authority and discretion, subject to the legal conditions and criteria.

As an indication that transfers are routine practice, the GDP said it had carried out 24 transfers within the legal framework between 16.10.2026 and 27.10.2026.

Concluding its statement, the General Directorate of Prisons said it would continue taking the necessary measures to ensure security, prevent incidents and maintain the proper operation of institutions, while respecting the rights and dignity of people in prison.