The court hearing involving Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj was postponed until November 17, after the mayor failed to appear in court and instead addressed the judge through a letter delivered by his lawyer, Plarent Ndreca.

In the letter, Veliaj claimed that he had been transferred from the Durrës detention facility without being informed of the confidential order authorizing the move.

“Dear Madam Judge, as you have been informed by the People's Advocate, I was abducted from the Durrës detention facility without being shown the secret order. I received an answer on Friday from Justice Minister Toni Gogu, who told me that I had been transferred on the orders of [Prime Minister] Edi Rama,” Veliaj wrote.

The mayor further described the alleged transfer order as unlawful and called for a “full, thorough and independent investigation.”

“I would appreciate it if additional charges were brought against me for attempting to undermine the constitutional order. The Prime Minister's order is unlawful. It requires a full, thorough and independent investigation. I leave the matter in your hands,” he added.

The court also addressed the issue, stating that it had no jurisdiction over the transfer and had not been notified by the General Directorate of Prisons.

“We are not competent to deal with the transfer, and the Directorate of Prisons has not notified the court. Verification falls within the remit of other competent authorities,” the court stated.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 17.