The General Directorate of Prisons has issued an official statement regarding the transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj from the Durrës pre-trial detention facility to the Fier Prison Institution, stating that the move was carried out in full compliance with the legal framework.

In its statement released Thursday afternoon, the directorate said the transfer was part of recent measures aimed at strengthening security and ensuring the proper functioning of correctional institutions. Authorities also confirmed that the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) had been notified of the transfer.

According to the institution, the transfer order was signed in accordance with established procedures. However, the document has been classified as a “state secret” and cannot be made public except under the conditions provided for by law.

The directorate said it decided to issue an unusual public statement in response to widespread media speculation surrounding the move.

“The transfer of citizen E.V. was carried out as part of the measures recently taken by the General Directorate of Prisons to ensure security and the proper functioning of institutions responsible for enforcing criminal sentences,” the statement said.

The announcement comes amid public and media scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding Veliaj’s relocation to the Fier facility.