Fredi Beleri’s arrest case was discussed even in the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
The head of this committee, Bob Menendez asked for information regarding the arrest of the newly elected mayor in the municipality of Himara, calling such an act only a few days ahead of the elections “concerning”.
“I understand that guaranteeing free and honest elections is important. However, I am concerned. Greece has informed us it will have a bad impact on Albania’s EU integration process,” said Menendez.
The Counselor of the United States Department of State, Derek Chollet stated that the U.S. has asked the American Embassy in Tirana for more information on the case, after being informed by the Greek ambassador.
Fredi Beleri is set to appear before court on Monday.
The Special Anti-Corruption Structure will determine if the arrest issued by the Court of Vlora is valid, after said court declared incompetency.
Beleri was arrested just two days ahead of the local elections, under accusations of vote buying.
His arrest sparked a diplomatic row between Tirana and Athens, as he is a member of the Greek minority.
Greece officials have demanded that Albanian authorities free Beleri, otherwise the issue will have a negative effect on the country’s European integration process.
