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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Politics
Bal Marsius

Albanian Mayor Leads From Prison With Help From an AI Avatar, Pledging Free School Lunches

Albania Prison Instagram Tirana
Detained Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj used an AI avatar on Instagram to address residents, calling his custody 'hostage-taking' and pledging free school lunches (Credit: Erion Veliaj/Instagram)

The mayor of the Albanian capital, Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has appeared via an artificial‑intelligence avatar while in pre‑trial detention. The AI‑generated video, posted on Instagram, shows a digital version of Veliaj speaking in front of Albanian and municipal flags. Instagram labelled the post with an 'AI content' tag.

Veliaj has been held since February 2025 as he faces allegations including corruption, money laundering and hiding assets. Prosecutors allege the case involves about €1 million in bribes and municipal funds. Veliaj and his wife, who also accused, deny wrongdoing.

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