The General Directorate of Prisons has responded to the transfer of Erion Veliaj to Fier prison, stating that the order has been classified as a “state secret” and that the prosecution office was also notified of the move. According to the statement, the transfer was carried out for security reasons and to ensure the smooth functioning of penitentiary institutions. Tirana Mayor Veliaj was initially placed in the observation sector on 28 October, and a day later, following an individual assessment, he was settled into the institution. The Directorate also stated that between 16 and 27 October, 24 other transfers were carried out in accordance with the legal framework.
Full statement
Given the numerous media speculations, we decided to issue this unusual press statement regarding standard internal work procedures. The transfer of citizen E.V. was carried out within the framework of measures the General Directorate of Prisons recently adopted to ensure security and the smooth functioning of criminal sentence enforcement institutions.
Following the transfer of pretrial detainee E.V. to IEVP Fier, the admission procedures provided for in Article 38 of Law No. 81/2020, dated 25.6.2020, “On the Rights and Treatment of Prisoners and Pretrial Detainees,” as well as Article 15 of the General Prison Regulation, approved by Decision No. 209, dated 06.04.2022, of the Council of Ministers, were applied.
In implementation of Article 15, point 4, of the General Prison Regulation, on 28.10.2026 pretrial detainee E.V. was placed in the admission (observation) section and was treated correctly and in accordance with the legal framework, as in all other cases.
On 29.10.2026, the responsible structures of IEVP Fier held a meeting with pretrial detainee E.V. in the premises of the observation sector. During the meeting, his claims were heard and clarifications were provided on the rights and obligations during his stay in the institution. Subsequently, the admission commission proceeded with his full placement, in accordance with the individual assessment and the relevant procedures.
Regarding the transfer order, which is being specifically speculated about in the media, this act was approved in accordance with standard procedures and is included in the list of documents classified as “state secret.” Consequently, its administration, access and availability are subject to the conditions, criteria and procedures provided for in Law No. 10/2023, “On Classified Information,” and in the sub-legal acts issued in its implementation.
We add that in the case of pretrial detainee E.V., the prosecution authority was also notified, in accordance with the requirements of the legislation in force.
Pursuant to Article 78 of Law No. 81/2020, “On the Rights and Treatment of Prisoners and Pretrial Detainees,” as well as Articles 106–108 of the General Prison Regulation, approved by Decision No. 209, dated 6.4.2022, of the Council of Ministers, the transfer order for any justified reason is issued by the Director General of Prisons. The assessment and decision-making on transfers fall within the competence and administrative discretion of the Director General, as normal work practice exercised within legal conditions and criteria, based on the documentation administered.
From the GDP, from 16.10.2026 to 27.10.2026, 24 (twenty-four) transfers were carried out within the legal framework.
The General Directorate of Prisons continues to take the necessary measures to guarantee security, prevent incidents and ensure the smooth functioning of institutions, while respecting the rights and dignity of incarcerated persons.
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