The request of Himare’s elected Mayor, Fredi Beleri, to be granted a special permit so that he can attend the first meeting of the newly elected Municipal Council tomorrow, be sworn in, and officially assume his duties, was rejected today.
This rejection demonstrates, beyond any doubt, that the Albanian authorities' aim is to deprive him, without a final conviction and without even having been charged, of the office of Mayor, to which he was democratically elected by the citizens of the region.
Albania, as a candidate for membership of the European family, should uphold the Rule of Law and the presumption of innocence.
June 26, 2023