The Administrative Court in Tirana has rejected a request by the legal team of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj to livestream proceedings in his lawsuit against SPAK prosecutor Ols Dado.

Veliaj’s lawyer, Plarent Ndreca, argued that public access to court proceedings is a constitutional principle protected by freedom of the media. He said the defense had failed to demonstrate how a live broadcast would damage the prosecutor’s interests.

“The right of every citizen to attend a court hearing and follow judicial proceedings is a constitutional principle that cannot be violated. The Constitution guarantees freedom of the media,” Ndreca told the court.

Lawyers representing Dado opposed the request, arguing that a live transmission could negatively affect the prosecutor’s career and professional standing.

After deliberations, the panel of judges ruled that the hearing would not be broadcast live, although journalists will still be allowed to attend the proceedings in person.

Meanwhile, a procedural request has also been filed concerning the involvement of the High Prosecutorial Council, after Veliaj expanded the lawsuit to include the institution as a defendant.

According to Ndreca, the High Prosecutorial Council has already prepared its legal submissions, and the hearing is expected to continue as scheduled.

“We will present our arguments and review the objections raised by the defendant, the High Prosecutorial Council,” Ndreca said.