Greek EU lawmaker to remain in Albanian prison, raising tensions with Greece

·

Fredi Beleri, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himare, will remain in prison after an Albanian court rejected his appeal on Tuesday.

Beleri was elected mayor of the coastal town on the Albanian riviera in May 2023, just two days after being arrested for vote-buying. Beleri defeated his opponent by 19 votes after allegedly offering 40,000 Albanian leks (€355 at the time) to buy eight votes.

In March 2024, he was sentenced to two years in prison. The rejection of appeal means he will have to stay there until mid-October.

Beleri was elected a Greek member of the European Parliament for the ruling New Democracy party in June 2024. He is the only MEP who was in prison when elected to the Parliament.

Fredi Beleri's request for release rejected again.
Fredi Beleri’s request for release rejected again.

On Wednesday, Beleri released a statement commenting on the court of appeal’s decision, calling it a “parody of justice.” Beleri said he expected the decision and that it had been planned by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.

“The problem from now on will be Edi Rama’s, not mine. In the end, light always overcomes darkness,” Beleri said.

Greece’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement on Wednesday and said the court’s appeal decision “confirmed concerns over the level of the rule of law and the protection of minorities in Albania.”

The Foreign Ministry added that Greece had expressed concerns over many aspects of the case, including the violation of the presumption of innocence, the disproportionate sentence imposed by the court, as well as the denial of Beleri’s right to be sworn in.

The ministry reminded Albanian authorities of their obligation to allow Beleri to attend the sessions of the European Parliament. 

Source: Ekathimerini and Politico EU.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin threatens legal action over octopus dispute

The Kalymnian Brotherhood of Darwin is threatening legal action against the NT Government following a food safety dispute over octopus.

‘Want to honour legacy’: Con Kalamaras on Estudiantina’s soulful tribute to Greek music icons

In the lead-up to the show, The Greek Herald spoke with Estudiantina member and organiser Con Kalamaras about what to expect.

Meet the Greek sisters behind Adora: A 30-year legacy of handmade chocolate and heart

If you’re looking for a new spot in Sydney to satisfy your sweet cravings, Adora Handmade Chocolates is the place to be.

Young artists shine in ‘First Light’ exhibition at opening of That Art Place in Carlton

More than 65 young artists from the St George area in Sydney had their creative moment in the spotlight on Saturday, July 12.

Peter Tsolakides leads Australia’s first cryonics facility amid scientific doubts

Peter Tsolakides, founder of Southern Cryonics, is leading Australia's venture into cryonic preservation with a facility near Holbrook, NSW.

You May Also Like

‘It’s been challenging’: Maria Routsis on the ‘crisis’ facing Australia’s childcare sector

New figures from the Education Department show how Australia's childcare sector is emerging from the Omicron wave in "crisis,"

Trump labels Zelensky a ‘dictator’ and blames Ukraine for war

US President Donald Trump has criticised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections.”

Greece drawn for first half of 2025 Eurovision semi-final

Greece's entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest will perform in the first half of the second semi-final, scheduled for May 15.