The decision of the Supreme Court of Albania to reject the appeal lodged by detained Himare's elected Mayor, Mr. Fredi Beleri, for release on parole adds to previous decisions of Albanian courts that, in essence, deprive Mr. Beleri of the right to take oath and assume the duties assigned to him by the citizens of Himare.
This is a negative development, constituting a clear violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law, which Albania must respect and strictly adhere to if it aspires to become a member of the European family.
We call on the Albanian Government to immediately provide, legislatively or administratively, for the immediate swearing-in of Mr. Beleri, whether in or out of prison.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely follow the developments of the case and will raise this issue in all international fora.
July 26, 2023