Ruling on jailed ethnic Greek mayor deferred

It was seen as no surprise in Greece that the final decision on the appeal of jailed ethnic Greek mayor Fredi Beleri was deferred on Friday to the Special Court of Appeal of Tirana later this month, namely on June 25. 

The elected mayor of Himare in southern Albania and, now, elected MEP of the New Democracy, will not face any obstacle in the ratification of his election to the European Parliament.

This is because the swearing-in to the European Parliament is not a prerequisite for the ratification of his legal election.

However, on July 16 a first meeting of the new composition of the European Parliament will take place and he may not be given the opportunity to attend.

In comments to Skai TV, Beleri said that "the only fair decision would be my acquittal," adding that he has no illusions about the Albanian justice system.

"I know that the...