Supreme Court member Ilir Panda has resigned from reviewing the file related to Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, arrested since February 10, 2025.
After Panda's departure, a new judicial panel has been appointed to review Veliaj's appeal to the Supreme Court. The case will be reviewed by a panel composed of: Sandër Simoni, in the capacity of rapporteur of the case, and members Sokol Binaj and Albana Boksi.
The case has been returned for reconsideration to the Supreme Court following the Constitutional Court's decision on May 25, which by a majority vote of 5 to 3 decided to return it for review.
Erion Veliaj has been in custody since February 10, 2025. He, along with his wife Ajola Xoxa, is accused of corruption in 9 cases. Veliaj is also charged with other charges, including abuse of office and money laundering.
The new Supreme Court body is now expected to review Veliaj's appeal and decide on the continuation of legal proceedings. In its decision-making, the Supreme Court is expected to assess whether the security measure "prison arrest" is proportional.
