Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis reiterated Greece's position on the case of Fredi Beleri, an ethnic Greek mayor-elect in the Albanian town of Himare. Beleri has been in pre-trial detention since May on charges of vote-buying. Marinakis emphasized that the Greek government maintains its stance that the rights of Beleri, the legally elected mayor, should be respected.
Marinakis emphasized the importance of recognizing the electoral result and upholding the presumption of innocence for Beleri. He also referred to the resignation of Beleri's socialist rival in the mayoral race, which came after comments by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama raised doubts about his legitimacy. Marinakis viewed this resignation as a positive step towards addressing the paradoxical situation that occurred, where the legally elected mayor was unable to be sworn in while the candidate who lost the election took office.
Marinakis underscored the Greek government's unwavering commitment to the rule of law and human rights. He stated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, does not compromise on these issues. Marinakis also noted that Greece's position on the matter has gained broader support and is now considered a European stance. This highlights the European significance of Greece's position regarding the case of Fredi Beleri.
