Greece urges EU to take action in Beleri case

07:29 8/5/2024 - Πηγή: iEfimerida

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis is urging the European Union to draw concern to the case of Fredi Beleri, an ethnic Greek mayor in Albania sentenced to two years imprisonment for vote-buying should concern all of Europe.

Mr. Beleri, elected mayor of the predominantly ethnic Greek

city of Himare, was accused of offering 40,000 Albanian leks to locals to secure eight votes. His conviction has escalated the strain between Greece and Albania, with Greece threatening to block Albania’s EU accession talks over the issue. Mr. Beleri’s lawyer has denounced the ruling as politically motivated and has filed an appeal.

Amidst this controversy, though,Jorgo Goro, the acting mayor of Himare, has resigned following allegations of abuse of office, implicated in a corruption scandal involving the transfer of state land to private individuals. Goro's resignation came shortly after his detention was ordered by Albania’s anti-corruption judicial authorities.

Mr. Gerapetritis has highlighted the case as a test of Albania’s adherence to European democratic standards, particularly as it seeks EU membership. The situation has raised questions about the rule of law in the region, with the Greek Foreign Minister urging that the matter be addressed in international forums.

“Τhis is not a bilateral [matter], “ the foreign minister said. “Whether a candidate country aspiring to join the European Union upholds the principles of the rule of law and respects the political rights of its citizens is not bilateral. It is a European matter, and we should perceive it as such and highlight it in all forums,” he told Skai radio.

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