Fredis Beleris, an ethnic Greek politician imprisoned in Albania on charges of vote-buying, has won a seat in the European Parliament. This victory comes amidst heightened tensions between Albania and Greece, stemming from Beleris' case and its implications for Albania's EU membership bid.
Beleris was elected mayor of Himare, a town with a significant ethnic Greek population, in 2022. However, he was arrested just days before taking office and subsequently convicted, leading to a two-year prison sentence. He maintains his innocence, claiming the charges are politically motivated.
Greece has echoed Beleris' claims, condemning his detention and trial as unjust. Athens argues that the case undermines the rule of law in Albania and casts a shadow on its EU aspirations. Albania, currently in negotiations to join the EU, insists that it respects judicial independence and cannot interfere in ongoing legal proceedings.
Beleris' case has exacerbated existing strains in Greek-Albanian relations, which have long been complicated by issues surrounding the Greek minority in Albania and the Albanian community in Greece.
Despite his imprisonment, Beleris remains defiant, stating that his election to the European Parliament will provide a platform to advocate for the rule of law in Albania and beyond. His victory is likely to further complicate the delicate diplomatic situation between the two Balkan neighbors.
The upcoming mayoral election in Himare, scheduled for August 4th, is anticipated to be another flashpoint in this ongoing saga.