Fredi Beleri is the mandated mayor of the Municipality of Himara, but in order to sit in the mayor’s chair, he has to overcome some steps, the swearing before the Municipal Council.

Special Court has rejected the permit request of Beleri, who was arrested 2 days before the May 14 elections under the charge of electoral crime.

In this regard, the Greek Foreign Ministry has also reacted, saying that the rejection of the request shows that the Albanian authorities’ aim is to deprive Beleri without a final punishment and without being charged with the office of mayor.

The ministry says in the announcement that Albania must respect the rule of law.

“The request of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, to receive a special permit, so that he can attend the first meeting of the new Municipal Council tomorrow, as well as take an oath and officially take office, was rejected.

This refusal shows now, without any doubt, that the intention of the Albanian authorities is to deprive him, without a final sentence and without being charged, from the office of the mayor, in which he was democratically elected by the citizens of the region.

As a candidate for membership in the European family, Albania must respect the rule of law and the presumption of innocence,” the announcement states.