In the early hours of 12 May 2023, the Albanian police reportedly arrested Fredi Beleri, a member of the Greek minority, who is standing for election as mayor of Himara. According to the press, he is currently being held at Avlona police station. The timing of the arrest just two days before the local elections, as well as the absence of any evidence against Mr Beleri, are giving cause for particular concern. The Greek consulate has already made representations to the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Greek authorities have also taken the necessary steps.

Such actions merely serve to undermine the principles of the rule of law and democracy and fly in the face of the 2022 Commission Report on Albania, which received European Parliament endorsement, as well as Albania’s commitments as a candidate country.

In view of this:

1. Can the Commission state its position regarding the arrest by the Albanian police of mayoral candidate Fredi Beleri and say what its response has been?
2. How does it intend to uphold the rule of law and democracy, as well as the rights of the Greek national minority in Albania, while ensuring fair elections in that country?

See the answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission