Fredi Beleri, an elected ethnic Greek mayor of an Albanian seaside town, was released on probation with six weeks remaining in his prison term after a court in Fier accepted his request. Beleri had been serving a two-year sentence for vote-buying charges that strained relations between Albania and Greece. His release was welcomed by the Greek government and the Democratic Union of the Greek Minority in Albania, with plans for a rally in his town of Himarë to celebrate his freedom. Beleri’s case has been seen as politically motivated by both Beleri and Athens, while Albanian officials maintain the independence of the judiciary.
In a turn of events, Beleri was elected to the European Parliament with Greece’s New Democracy party while in prison. He was granted a five-day leave to attend the opening session in Strasbourg. The Greek government acknowledged Beleri’s release as a positive development but did not shy away from the severity of the situation. Beleri’s conviction led to an early election in Himara, where the governing Socialist Party candidate emerged victorious. The Albanian government’s actions have been seen as an attempt to maintain control over the potential lucrative property development in the booming tourism sector in Himarë.
Following the fall of Albania’s communist regime, property disputes have been common due to the redistribution of seized state property among residents. Ethnic bias claims in land distribution have further added to the tensions in the region. Beleri alleged that his case was part of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s strategy to control Himarë’s development potential. The case against Beleri has highlighted the complex issues surrounding land ownership and political interests in Albania. The release of Beleri on probation allows for a temporary respite in the strained relations between Albania and Greece.
The circumstances surrounding Beleri’s imprisonment have raised concerns about the fairness of the judicial system in Albania and the potential for political interference in legal proceedings. The Greek minority in Albania has faced challenges in maintaining their representation and rights in the country. Beleri’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions between ethnic groups and political factions in Albania. The release of Beleri has provided a glimmer of hope for his supporters, who view his conviction as unjust and politically motivated.
Overall, the release of Fredi Beleri on probation marks a significant development in a case that has strained diplomatic relations and highlighted the challenges faced by minority groups in Albania. The rally planned in Himarë to celebrate Beleri’s freedom underscores the strong support he enjoys among his constituents. The Greek government’s response to Beleri’s release reflects ongoing concerns about the treatment of the Greek minority in Albania. Moving forward, the case has the potential to spark broader conversations about the intersection of politics, law, and ethnic tensions in Albania.
