Albanian television producer and songwriter Ardit Gjebrea has left the premises of Albania’s Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) after more than two and a half hours of questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into the case involving former Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj.

Gjebrea was summoned to provide testimony regarding funding received by his company, “Jon Music,” from the Municipality of Tirana for the organization of the popular music festival “Kënga Magjike.”

According to data published on the Open Spending Data platform, which tracks payments processed through Albania’s Treasury system, “Jon Music” received six payments from the Municipality of Tirana during the period when Erion Veliaj was serving as mayor.

Investigators reportedly questioned Gjebrea about these payments, the circumstances surrounding the funding, and the arrangements under which the company benefited from municipal financial support.

Speaking briefly to reporters after leaving SPAK, Gjebrea said he had appeared in the capacity of a witness and was unable to disclose further details because the investigation remains confidential.

“I was here as a witness in a case that is under investigative secrecy. I cannot say anything more; I have to respect the institutions. I was a person with knowledge of the matter,” Gjebrea told journalists.

He also described the prosecutors as friendly, exchanging lighthearted remarks with reporters and joking about inviting them to his television program, “E Diela Shqiptare” (The Albanian Sunday).

“They were friendly. And I was invited to my own program. Well, prosecutors are people too,” he said.

Gjebrea’s appearance at SPAK comes amid the broader investigation into matters connected to former Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. No allegations of wrongdoing against Gjebrea have been established by his questioning, and he has publicly appeared in the capacity of a witness.