The court hearing against Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has been postponed to November 17.
The mayor himself was not present at the hearing, but addressed the court through a letter delivered by his lawyer, Plarent Ndreca.
In the letter, Veliaj states:
“Dear Madam Judge, as you have been informed by the People’s Advocate, I was snatched from Durrës prison without being shown the secret order. I received the answer on Friday from the Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu. He told me I was transferred by order of Rama.
I would be grateful to know whether additional charges will be added for violating the constitutional order. The prime minister’s order is unlawful. I demand a full, thorough and independent investigation. I leave it in your hands”.
Meanwhile, the court has stated: “We are not competent for the transfer, and the Prison Directorate has not notified the court. Verification falls under other competent bodies.”