Sources confirm to Euronews Albania that the elected mayor of the Municipality of Himara, Fredi Beleri has been admitted to the prison hospital where he is kept in custody.
According to sources, Beleri presented cardiac problems and has been hospitalized since at least four days.
Beleri was transferred to a Tirana prison, after the Special Court of First Instance against Corruption and Organized Crime ruled to uphold Beleri’s imprisonment, alongside his collaborator’s, Pandeli Kokaveshi.
The Special Anti-Corruption Structure requested Fredi Beleri await final ruling on accusations for vote buying while imprisoned, instead of being put under house arrest, despite appeals from Beleri’s legal team citing health issues.
There is no set date as of yet for the next session, in which Beleri’s appeal will be heard.
Meanwhile, a request for a milder security measure has been filed by Kokaveshi as well, under claims that isolation seriously endangers his life.
The newly elected mayor of Himara has requested the case against him be dropped, claiming there is no evidence involving him in the criminal offense he is charged with.
Beleri called the situation as “politically motivated” and claimed he had had no previous contact with the police infiltrated person, who ultimately led to his arrest in flagrante.
Beleri, a candidate of the “Together We Win” coalition in the May 14th local elections held in Albania, was given the mayoral mandate by the Central Elections Commission last week, after the tight victory he scored against Socialist Party opponent and candidate Jorgo Goro.
It is yet unclear if he will assume office, as he remains imprisoned.
Beleri must swear in front of the Municipal Council of Himara in order to officially carry out his mayoral duties.
