The lawyer representing Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has formally requested that Albania’s Prison Administration and Ministry of Health immediately release his client’s complete medical records, citing concerns over delays in accessing examination results that reportedly indicate the need for urgent surgery.

In two letters addressed to the institutions, lawyer Plarent Ndreca raised concerns over the failure to provide documentation following medical examinations conducted on November 7 at Fier Prison.

According to information provided to the lawyer by his client and prison medical staff, the examinations revealed the need for urgent surgical intervention.

Ndreca is demanding access to the full MRI report and images, as well as the findings and recommendations of the orthopedic specialist, so that independent doctors in Tirana can assess the results and advise on further treatment.

The lawyer said two days had passed since the examinations without the medical documentation being made available, preventing an independent assessment of Veliaj’s condition and the urgency of the recommended procedure.

In his letter, Ndreca described the delays as unacceptable, stressing that administrative procedures should not stand in the way of obtaining essential medical information.

He also warned that any further failure to provide the records would be documented and could trigger investigations into institutional and individual responsibility, including potential consequences for Veliaj’s health.

Ndreca has requested that the documents be delivered electronically and without further delay, or that the authorities provide a written explanation of any legal or administrative obstacles preventing their release.

The requests come amid ongoing concerns raised by Veliaj’s legal team over his medical treatment while in detention.