A former ethnic Greek mayor of an Albanian town, Fredi Beleri, who was imprisoned on vote-buying charges causing strained Albanian-Greek ties, has been released on probation. Beleri was serving a two-year sentence in Fier, south of Tirana, and was released with six weeks remaining in his prison term. His freedom was celebrated with a rally in his town of Himare by the Democratic Union of the Greek Minority.
Beleri had been arrested before the May 14, 2023, municipal elections in Himara for offering money to buy votes. The case led to tensions between Tirana and Athens, with Greece threatening Albania’s EU bid. Beleri and Athens claimed the conviction was politically motivated, but Albanian officials defended the judiciary’s independence.
After being stripped of his title, Beleri was imprisoned and released for a brief period to attend the European Parliament session in Strasbourg. The case highlighted property disputes in Himara and allegations of ethnic bias in land distribution.
Following his release, the Greek government welcomed the development, emphasizing their support for the Greek ethnic minority in Albania. Beleri claimed the case was an attempt by Prime Minister Edi Rama to control Himare for property development.
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