Strasbourg (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Albania allowed a dual-Greek national imprisoned on charges of electoral corruption to travel to France to take part in the European Parliament’s inaugural session as a Greek MEP.
Why Was Fredi Beleri Released for the EU Session?
MEP Fredi Beleri, an imprisoned member of Albania’s ethnic Greek minority elected last month to the European Parliament, exited prison on Monday morning to observe the opening session of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg.
The prison department’s statement expressed that Fredis Beleris, 51, was given leave July 15-20. He must stay in communication with police and return to conform the remaining time on his two-year prison sentence. Beleris, who has dual Greek and Albanian citizenship, is a member of the European Parliament. He succeeded a Greek seat in the EU legislature in elections last month, symbolising the governing conservative New Democracy party.
Albania, an ex-communist country and an existing NATO member has a historically tense connection with Greece, largely over matters of Greek minority rights and the sizable Albanian community in Greece.
What Are the Charges Against MEP Fredi Beleri?
Beleris was sentenced of offering 40,000 Albanian leks (360 euros at the time) to purchase eight votes in last year’s municipal polls. Beleris was elected mayor of the town of Himare, 240 kilometres (150 miles) south of the capital, Tirana, after being apprehended two days before the vote. He was never sworn in because he was under detention. He was later convicted to prison.
Beleris has denied the charges against him.
What Legal Immunity Does Fredi Beleri Have as MEP?
European Parliament lawmakers relish substantial legal immunity from prosecution, even if the allegations connect to crimes perpetrated before their election. In the case of Belarus, that rule is unlikely to influence the outcome, as it is a fitting time for a crime committed in a non-EU member country.
After the appeals court ruling, Albanian election authorities denied Beleris of his post as Himara’s mayor and a new election will be held on Aug. 4. Beleris’ case has pushed ties between Tirana and Athens, with Greece speaking the case could harm Albania’s application to join the European Union. Albania, a candidate nation, is in the process of negotiating full membership.
