Political detention of Ilir Meta and Erion Veliaj in Albania

High-profile political figures in Albania, former President Ilir Meta and Mayor Erion Veliaj, remain in pretrial detention amid ongoing legal proceedings. Ilir Meta has been held in custody since October 2024, while Erion Veliaj has been detained since February 2025.

Legal debates have emerged regarding the proportionality of their detention and the presumption of innocence. In Veliaj's case, the Constitutional Court has requested a more thorough justification from the High Court regarding the necessity of his continued imprisonment. While some analysts suggest these arrests serve as a signal to the European Union that the Albanian justice system can hold powerful individuals accountable, questions remain regarding the practical administration of the Tirana Municipality while its mayor is incarcerated.