Beleri alleges political expediency behind judicial delays

Fredi Beleri, the mayor-elect of Himare, in southern Albania, currently held in detention pending trial on corruption charges, has accused judicial authorities of intentionally delaying the case for political convenience.

In a statement issued from his jail cell on Sunday evening, Beleri pointed out that nearly 30 days have elapsed since the First Instance Court of Durres referred the case to the Supreme Court for a determination on which court should handle his request for a special permit to take the oath as the mayor of Himare. He lamented the absence of a response or the setting of a trial date, noting that the Court typically should respond within five days.

"The unprecedented delays, with grave repercussions for the Himare community, its voters, and the residents who anticipate the change in local governance, a change they have expressed through a free and...