The Constitutional Court of Albania issued a ruling on July 6, 2026, annulling the Supreme Court's decision regarding the pretrial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. The court held that the Supreme Court failed to satisfy fundamental constitutional requirements governing the judicial review of the mayor's continued detention. This decision marks the second landmark ruling in favor of Mayor Veliaj, following a prior decision that protected his voter-conferred mandate as the democratically elected mayor.

In its latest decision, the Constitutional Court found that the Supreme Court failed to conduct a meaningful review required by Albania's Constitution. Specifically, the court did not determine whether Mayor Veliaj's continued detention remained necessary and proportionate, nor did it evaluate less restrictive alternatives. The ruling also noted the failure to address the constitutional consequences of preventing the democratically elected mayor from exercising the mandate entrusted to him by the citizens of Tirana.

A separate concurring opinion by one of the Constitutional Court judges went further, concluding that the evidence relied upon by lower courts failed to establish the constitutionally required reasonable suspicion to justify the detention. The opinion stated that prosecutors relied on facts reflecting the ordinary exercise of Mayor Veliaj's official responsibilities, which would not persuade an objective observer that he committed the charged offenses. The judge concluded that the detention lacked the constitutional foundation required under Albanian law and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Other members of the Constitutional Court expressed serious concerns regarding Mayor Veliaj's treatment during the proceedings. Separate opinions criticized the use of a glass enclosure during court proceedings as inconsistent with human dignity. They also concluded that restrictions imposed during detention interfered with the mayor's ability to communicate effectively with counsel. The opinions emphasized that the Supreme Court failed to protect adequately the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to an effective defense.

The decision establishes constitutional principles extending beyond this case, reaffirming that restrictions on personal liberty must be subject to meaningful constitutional scrutiny. The court held that courts must independently determine whether detention remains necessary and proportionate and that less restrictive alternatives must be genuinely considered. The ruling underscores that constitutional protections remain fully applicable even in proceedings involving elected public officials.

Daniel J. Fetterman, lead international counsel for Mayor Veliaj and a partner at Kasowitz LLP, stated that the Constitutional Court deserves recognition for its careful and independent application of Albania's Constitution. He noted that the decision represents the court's second ruling recognizing significant constitutional deficiencies in the State's treatment of Mayor Veliaj. Fetterman expressed confidence that once the Albanian Supreme Court undertakes the required review, it will conclude that the mayor's continued detention cannot be sustained and will order his immediate release.

A court in Tirana released 19 people detained during violent protests over a luxury coastal resort project linked to Jared Kushner, even as broader anti-corruption demonstrations continue to spread across Albania. The unrest, which began in May, has escalated from opposition to the specific development into wider anti-government rallies targeting Albania’s leadership, including Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Court Ruling and Detention Details

The protesters were arrested during clashes with police and initially accused of refusing to obey police orders, organizing illegal demonstrations, and disturbing public order. The court ruled that most would be freed without charges. Two individuals were placed under house arrest, and 12 were required to report regularly to judicial authorities. Demonstrators outside the courthouse cheered the decision, chanting "Free the boys" as nightly protests continued across Tirana.

Project Background and Political Escalation

The protests were triggered by a luxury coastal resort project planned by Kushner in a protected natural area. Since the initial rallies, the movement has expanded to include broader political grievances. Protesters have used slogans such as "New Albania" and "Edi Rama, resign," reflecting growing political frustration with the current administration.

Protest Dynamics and Police Response

Clashes escalated outside parliament when police used tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons after demonstrators threw objects and attempted to breach security lines. Authorities reported injuries among police officers and multiple detentions. The ongoing unrest highlights the tension between development projects and environmental preservation in the region.

International Commentary

Last month, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) commented on the protests, stating that the opposition to the Kushner-linked resort reflected resistance to a "global oligarchy." He described the project as environmentally harmful and backed by wealthy investors, noting that the demonstrations signaled growing public opposition to elite influence.