The Criminal Court of Albania decided to pass the file of the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, for trial.
The previous preliminary hearing took place amidst debates, after Mayor Veliaj and his lawyer, Valentina Teodorescu, requested an adjournment as they argue that they have not yet been familiarized with the entire investigative file.
However, Judge Deda dismissed the mayor's request, while the latter requested her exclusion with the argument that she was denying him the right to effective protection and then left the hearing.
Judge Deda continued the session, describing the defense phase as exhausted. Meanwhile, on Friday, Veliaj's request to disqualify Judge Deda was rejected, and it will be the latter who is expected to announce the decision today on whether or not to proceed with the Veliaj case for trial.
The Mayor of Tirana has been in prison custody since February 10, 2025. His wife, Ajola Xoxa, has also been sent for trial, as well as 28 other individuals and companies, part of the file known as "Veliaj".