Erion Veliaj Files Criminal Complaint Against Prisons Chief Over Transfer to Fier Prison
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has filed a criminal complaint against General Director of Prisons Sadleva Bodo, accusing her of abuse of office over his transfer from Durrës detention facility to Fier Prison.
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According to Veliaj, Bodo violated the law by ordering his transfer from the detention facility in Durrës to Fier Prison. He is asking prosecutors to investigate whether the decision was lawful and whether the prison administration chief bears criminal responsibility.
The complaint was filed one day after Veliaj’s lawyer, Plarent Ndreca, raised concerns about his client's treatment during a visit to Fier Prison.
Ndreca described the situation as a form of “health-related persecution,” claiming that the defence had been unable to obtain medical documentation confirming Veliaj’s health condition. He also said the mayor remained in the prison hospital facilities, in isolation and without the possibility of communication.
“This is health-related persecution,” Ndreca said, criticising the way prison authorities are handling his client’s situation.
Prisons chief visits Fier facility
On the same day, Sadleva Bodo visited Fier Prison, where Veliaj is being held. According to an official statement from the General Directorate of Prisons, she met with staff and inspected the facility’s infrastructure, detention conditions and work organisation.
The directorate presented Fier Prison as an example of progress in Albania’s penitentiary system, highlighting rehabilitation programmes, employment opportunities, education and facilities for religious practice.
During the visit, officials also tested the technical arrangements for holding online court hearings with the Special Court Against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO).
The visit took place amid the allegations raised by Veliaj’s defence team over his transfer and treatment inside the prison.
Through his criminal complaint, Veliaj is now asking the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office to examine the legality of the transfer from Durrës to Fier and determine whether Sadleva Bodo may have committed a criminal offence.
The complaint represents an allegation by Veliaj; it does not establish that the transfer was unlawful or that the prison director has committed a crime.