No rule of law in Albania, says Beleri

The "rule of law does not function in Albania," the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian city of Himare Fredi Beleri has said.

Beleri was detained in May on suspicion of voter fraud. All his appeals to be released in order to be sworn in as mayor have been turned down by the Albanian courts.

In an interview with SKAI radio from Durres prison, he said that on December 4, after six months of inaction, a special court will examine his petition to be sworn in as mayor, noting that the law is clear on this point.

"When someone has not been convicted and there is no final court ruling, he can be sworn in," he stated, adding that two other mayors facing the same charges as him have assumed their duties.

"One sole witness admitted to receiving €7,000," he added.

Beleri referred to the political scene in Albania stating the "main opposition can't...