Erion Veliaj’s latest statements from prison contain strong psychological elements of victimization and emotional manipulation. His language is emotionally charged, positioning himself as a political persecuted figure, while aggressively delegitimizing his opponents through hostile and defamatory rhetoric.
1. The victimization strategy
Veliaj portrays himself as a man unjustly pursued, emphasizing his prolonged stay in prison without a fair legal process. He describes the situation as a conspiracy against him, using words like “maniac,” “butcher,” “persecutor” to paint prosecutors and judges as immoral and biased actors.
In psychology, false victimization is a tactic used to evade responsibility and gain public support by portraying oneself as a victim of injustice. By presenting himself as an honest individual being “hunted down” by a corrupt system, Veliaj seeks to evoke empathy and diminish the credibility of the charges against him.
2. Direct attacks on opponents
Instead of defending himself with rational arguments, Veliaj employs another well-known tactic, “ad hominem”, aiming to damage the reputation of his adversaries with harsh and degrading language. He compares the prosecutor Ols Dado to a “maniac”, and to a “pitbull”, and Sali Berisha to a “hunchbacked man.”
This type of communication aims to divert attention from the allegations against him, turning the legal case into a personal and emotional battle. Attacking individuals instead of addressing accusations is a common method used by political figures to keep their supporters emotionally engaged while avoiding a fact-based debate.
3. Exploiting the “purity” narrative
Veliaj attempts to construct an image of himself as a figure of absolute moral integrity, using exaggerated language to emphasize his personal and professional transparency. He highlights that he has undergone a “20-year vetting process” without having any external financial benefits, such as paid travel, hotels, or apartments.
This self-righteous victimhood tactic serves as a defense mechanism to shift the focus away from concrete accusations. In psychology, this is known as moral grandstanding, where an individual presents themselves as being above reproach to dismiss or downplay allegations against them.
4. Emotional manipulation of supporters
His statements are filled with dramatic and hyperbolic expressions, aimed at mobilizing his supporters and provoking outrage. He adopts a combatant tone, positioning himself as a sacrificial figure fighting for the truth, a well-known political strategy to rally supporters.
By directing his messages to an emotionally polarized audience, Veliaj seeks to create a sense of blind loyalty, where any criticism against him is perceived as an attack on justice and truth.
Conclusion: A calculated narrative to maintain political influence
Veliaj’s rhetoric is not merely an emotional reaction but a well-crafted strategy to retain political support and undermine the credibility of the accusations against him. By presenting himself as a victim of a corrupt system, he aims to gain public sympathy and obstruct critical discourse about the legal investigation he is facing.
Beyond politics, this case serves as a classic example of how emotional communication and victimization strategies are used in times of crisis to manipulate public perception and evade accountability.