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Fredis Beleri, a Greek-born Albanese politician recently elected member of the European Parliament (MEP), arrived in Athens on Monday, a day after he was granted a five-day leave from an Albanian prison.

Tovima.Com

Beleri was temporarily freed to attend the opening session of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg after he won a Greek seat in the EU legislature as a member of the ruling New Democracy party.

The 52-year-old was arrested on vote-buying charges two days before becoming the mayor-elect of Himara in May 2023 and sentenced to two years in prison. Earlier this month, Albania's election commission revoked his mandate.

Balkan Insight

While European lawmakers have legal immunity from prosecution, even if allegations relate to crimes committed before their election, Beleri may not be exempted as he is serving time in a non-EU country.

eKathimerini.com

Beleri's conviction has reportedly strained relations between Athens and Tirana, with Greece calling his two-year sentence "disproportionate" and warning that it could hinder Albania's efforts to join the EU.

Jailed Greek Mayor Freed to Take Oath as EU Lawmaker

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Jailed Greek Mayor Freed to Take Oath as EU Lawmaker

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