Veliaj requests release from prison, hearing begins at the Appeals Court of Appeals

After nearly a month in isolation, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrived this Tuesday at around 09:30 at the Special Court of Appeal where his appeal against the measure of imprisonment will be reviewed.

Also arriving at the court was American lawyer Joshua Roberts, who arrived in Albania yesterday.

The hearing will take place at 10:00 and will be presided over by Judge Engert Pëllumbi, while Veliaj has called the arrest unfounded and has requested his freedom, arguing that he has no possibility of destroying evidence or leaving the country.

Outside the GJKKO building, the lack of Veliaj's supporters was noticeable, while there was an increased number of police forces.

According to the Euronews Albania journalist, today there is an increased number of police forces near the GJKKO building.

"It seems that today the police have taken measures to secure the perimeter of SPAK and GJKKO, sending blue uniforms to the field. This follows the controversies that occurred a month ago, when Veliaj's supporters were present near SPAK. Today, however, the police forces are present, but the mayor's supporters are absent," said journalist Sara Demushi.

Veliaj is accused of corruption and money laundering, while his wife, Ajola Xoxa, is being investigated for failing to declare assets.

The session will also consider requests for changing the measures for several businessmen who are being investigated for the same case, such as Elman Abule, Shkëlqim Fusha, Gentian Sula and Meriman Palushi, while Ajola Xoxa, Sokol Kryeziu and Fatmir Bektashi have not appealed the previous measure.