Democratic Party Chairman Lulzim Basha and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj did not show up before the judge at Tirana’s Court today. Basha has filed a lawsuit against Veliaj for defamation, but the court session was postponed due to the absence of Veliaj’s attorney.

The plaintiff argued that Veliaj, in the capacity of the leader of the Socialist Party campaign for Tirana, made three accusations against Basha, which the Democrats have rejected as slanders.

During the campaign, Veliaj said 1) the Democrat chairman became owner of four houses after the earthquake of November 26, 2019; 2) Basha benefitted during the post-earthquake period; 3) he has constructed without permission.

The lawsuit claims Veliaj slandered deliberately to take advantage and gain political credits before the citizens for the Socialist Party and himself.