Journalist and analyst Erl Murati has commented on the Supreme Court's decision, which left Mayor Erion Veliaj in prison.

Guest on the show 'First Minute' on News24 with journalist Ola Bruko, Murati said that it was a decision he had been waiting for, while adding that for days public opinion had been pumped with news that Veliaj was likely to be released from prison. He also said that the strategy that Veliaj has followed, even expressing interest in still being part of politics, was different from that of Saimir Tahiri, who is now enjoying freedom.

"I was expecting this decision. It is a decision that comes in the wake of the decisions of the Constitutional Court! The opposite would be a surprise. Public opinion was 'impregnated' with information and news that Veliaj would be released from prison. He is accused of corruption, money laundering, several serious criminal offenses. It was normal for the court to take this decision. From a political point of view, in recent days we have been dealing with an action to acquaint public opinion with the idea that: Veliaj could be released from prison. He is suspected of having abused his duty, that he has abused his duty. And telling citizens that Veliaj will be released from prison, to perform his duty, is an own goal. This contradicts what he is accused of. It is now an open battle between Veliaj and the justice of SPAK. This strategy was wrong, unlike Tahiri who is already free enjoying his rights. Meanwhile, Veliaj has expressed his political ambition, which has cost him. This has also been exploited by his opposing camp. This could be one of the reasons why he is in prison. He is a mayor, he is one of the 3-4 most powerful political people in the country, especially when he was free. I do not expect there to be any surprises, or a softening, as it would be an own goal on the part of justice. I expect justice not to score own goals, not to hit itself," he said.