The Ministry of Justice has responded regarding the transfer of Erion Veliaj to the Fier prison.
According to the Ministry of Justice, after arriving in Fier, Veliaj was subjected to standard admission procedures, in accordance with the legislation in force on the rights and treatment of pretrial detainees.
Full statement
Given the numerous media speculations, we have decided to make this unusual press statement regarding standard internal work procedures.
The transfer of citizen E.V. was carried out within the framework of measures that the General Directorate of Prisons has recently taken to ensure the security and smooth functioning of institutions executing criminal sentences.
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, 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 individual assessment and the relevant procedures.
With regard to the transfer order, which is being speculated about specifically 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.
In support of 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 the transfer fall within the competence and administrative discretion of the Director General, as normal work practice exercised within legal conditions and criteria, on the basis of 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.