The Special Court has revoked the security measures of “mandatory appearance” and “travel ban” previously imposed on Ajola Xoxa, the wife of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, allowing her to move freely while her trial continues.

Xoxa had requested the removal of the restrictions, citing her health condition due to pregnancy and the need to travel abroad. The court accepted her request, ruling that she will face trial without any precautionary measures in place.

The case involving both Xoxa and Mayor Veliaj has already been sent to trial, marking a new phase in the high-profile investigation.

Meanwhile, Erion Veliaj has been held in pre-trial detention since February 10, 2025. Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution (SPAK) has filed 13 charges against him, including passive corruption, money laundering, failure to declare assets, abuse of office, and smuggling prohibited items into detention facilities.

The most significant allegations relate to nine counts of passive corruption, where prosecutors claim Veliaj received ?????????? benefits in the form of money and real estate from various companies. In return, these entities allegedly secured construction permits and public funds from the Municipality of Tirana.

Ajola Xoxa is also accused by SPAK of passive corruption in nine cases, involving commercial entities and non-profit organizations, mirroring the charges brought against her husband.