Albania's Capital Releases AI Avatar of Mayor so He Can Address Citizens From Jail
The four-minute video promises free school meals and defends his record as Veliaj remains in custody awaiting trial, prosecutors said.
- Jailed Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj addressed voters on Wednesday via an AI-generated avatar posted to his official Instagram account, promising free school meals and explaining his absence from public duties.
- Prosecutors at SPAK, Albania's special anti-corruption office, have held Veliaj in custody for 20 months, accusing him and his wife of a scheme involving about €1 million in bribes and city funds, charges they deny.
- In the four-minute video, the AI-major recounts his record on school infrastructure while claiming, "For 20 months my hostage-taking has continued," vowing to continue working from his cell.
- Media compared the tactic to AI-generated speeches used by Imran Khan, Pakistan's former prime minister, to reach supporters from prison, sparking local backlash in Albania.
- Although Albania's High Court ruled that Veliaj must remain in custody, he continues to serve as mayor; the Constitutional Court previously blocked his removal, creating legal ambiguity.
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The socialist leader, close ally of Prime Minister Edi Rama, has been behind bars for 20 months accused of corruption. More information: Albania appoints an AI bot as minister to manage public procurement to reduce corruption
Erion Beliai, the mayor of Tirana, Albania, released a video of a speech to citizens using deepfake technology while serving 20 months in prison.
Albanian Mayor Leads From Prison With Help From an AI Avatar, Pledging Free School Lunches
Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has addressed the public through an AI-generated avatar while detained before trial, prompting debate over political communication, transparency and accountability.
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj addressed the Albanian capital through an AI-created avatar while in custody on corruption charges. The video was posted on his official social media accounts on October 6. The digital image looks like Veliaj, speaks in his voice, and is filmed against the backdrop of the flags of Tirana and Albania. In the video, he presents achievements of his administration, including the construction of schools, kindergartens, and n…
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