Erion Veliaj's lawyer, Plarent Ndreca, has reacted after the Supreme Court's decision, which left in force the "prison arrest" measure for the mayor of Tirana.

In a reaction on social media, Ndreca considers the decision a worrying development for the rule of law, legal certainty and democracy. According to him, the Supreme Court has upheld a decision that was previously overturned by the Constitutional Court, raising questions about the implementation of this institution's decisions.

The lawyer says that the defense will analyze the full reasoning of the decision, while raising the question of what value constitutional guarantees have if the decisions of the Constitutional Court are not implemented in practice.

Ndreca also links the issue to Veliaj's term as mayor of Tirana. He claims that for 19 months, the citizens of the capital have been deprived of the mayor they elected, while emphasizing that Veliaj is presumed innocent and is still in custody, although the investigations have been completed for a year and the case is on trial.

In his response, the lawyer warns that the defense will not withdraw from the legal battle and will pursue all avenues allowed by the Constitution, law, and international instruments.

THE REACTION OF THE LIGHT
Today's decision by the Supreme Court constitutes an extremely worrying development for the rule of law, legal certainty, fundamental rights and, above all, for democracy in this country. By leaving in force a decision that had been overturned by the Constitutional Court, this decision has practically rendered the decision of the highest constitutional authority of the country without binding effect.

Of course, we will responsibly analyze the full reasoning. But the result announced today raises a dramatic question: what value do constitutional guarantees have if the decisions of the Constitutional Court are not effectively implemented? When such a conclusion does not find a convincing explanation in the Constitution and in the law, then the reasons must be sought beyond legal arguments and outside the courtroom.

The consequences go beyond an individual process. They hold hostage the exercise of the mandate of the elected mayor of Tirana, the normal functioning of the institution and the will of the citizens expressed through their votes. For 19 months, the citizens of Tirana have been deprived of the mayor they elected. Mr. Erion Veliaj is presumed innocent and continues to be held in detention, although the investigation has been completed for a year and the case is currently under trial.

All this is not a reason to give up, but to continue the battle. They can isolate him and limit his ability to speak, but they cannot defeat him politically through judicial decisions. A politician can win with votes, in front of the citizens, and not through "lawfare".

We will use every legal remedy provided by the Constitution, the law and international instruments.

Albania deserves a justice system of European standards, which guarantees rights, respects constitutional decisions, and protects democracy, the highest tool that citizens have in their hands to decide who represents them and who leads the country.