Imprisoned Tirana Mayor Communicates via AI Deepfake

• •Erion Veliaj used an AI deepfake to address Tirana citizens while imprisoned.
• •The video received over 200,000 views shortly after its release on Instagram.
• •Imprisoned politicians globally are increasingly using AI for public communication.

Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, Albania, addressed citizens through an AI-generated deepfake video on October 6, 2026, while imprisoned on corruption charges. The video quickly gained over 200,000 views, marking his first public communication since his arrest in February 2025. Veliaj claimed he has been 'taken hostage' for 20 months and expressed his commitment to continue working for Tirana despite his incarceration. His official duties have been delegated to deputy mayors, but he remains the recognized mayor until local elections in the first half of 2027. This incident follows a trend where imprisoned politicians globally have utilized AI technology for public engagement, including former leaders from Brazil and Pakistan. The use of AI in Albanian politics has previously sparked controversy, particularly regarding the appointment of an AI minister named Diella, who faced backlash over the use of a woman's likeness without consent.