Ethnic Greek Politician Returns to Prison After Brief EU Parliament Reprieve

Fredis Beleris, an ethnic Greek politician with dual Greek-Albanian citizenship, returned to prison after a five-day reprieve to attend the European Parliament opening session. Serving a two-year prison sentence for vote-buying in Albania, Beleris denies the charges, claiming political motivation. He was elected to represent Greece's ruling party.

Fredis Beleris, an ethnic Greek politician, returned to prison on Saturday following a temporary release to attend the European Parliament's opening session. Beleris, who holds dual Greek-Albanian citizenship, is serving a two-year sentence for vote-buying during last year's municipal elections in Albania, accusations he vehemently denies, labeling them politically motivated.

Beleris was elected to the European Parliament on Greece's governing New Democracy ticket in last month's elections, securing 238,801 votes. Despite winning, Beleris's legal immunity doesn’t apply as Albania is not an EU member state. Arrested two days before the May 2023 municipal elections in Himara, he was accused of offering money to buy votes but maintains his innocence.

His arrest drew significant attention due to his narrow election victory and subsequent conviction. Amid political tensions, Albanian authorities upheld his conviction last month and removed him from his post as mayor of Himara. A new election is scheduled for August 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)