Newly-elected ethnic Greek mayor of Himara remains in detention

Court against Corruption and Organised Crime has decided to leave the newly-elected ethnic Greek  mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri in prison following his arrest 10 days ago on charges of vote-buying.

Fredi Beleri, who, in the May 14 local government elections, ran under the Together We Win coalition logo, was arrested on May 12. According to Vlora District Attorney's Office, Beleri has given and has promised money to a number of people in exchange of their votes.

Authorities say Beleri was caught on camera while talking to an infiltrator who was promised 40 thousand leks for 8 votes.  Beleri's defense attorney said the accusations against his client are politically motivated.

The arrest of Fredi Beleri also triggered strong reactions in Athens. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and FM Nikos Dendias urged authorities in Tirana to release Beleri and threatened that this would have an impact on the support Greece has offered so far about Albania's EU integration process.