“In an effort to restore the injustice I suffered, having been imprisoned for 16 months and deprived of the ability to assume the office of Mayor of Himara, I have submitted significant evidence to the Supreme Court regarding the illegality of my trial,” stated New Democracy and EPP MEP Fredi Beleris, referring to “the concealment by judge Irena Gjoka of her conviction in Greece,” as mentioned in the official announcement.

“Judge Irena Gjoka, who convicted me, had herself been convicted of forgery in Greece and sentenced to three months in prison (which was converted into a fine) and was deported by the Greek state. This explains the hatred she harbors towards the Greek national minority and its elected representatives,” Mr. Beleris notes in the same statement, adding:

“Not only as a judge but also as president of the Special Court during 2023, she violated the law, used illegal procedures, and false evidence against me. A convicted person, according to the Constitution, cannot serve as a judge in the Republic of Albania, let alone be president of the GJKKO, the country’s most important court. This clearly demonstrates the illegal and politically motivated process that was conducted against me.”

“I was arrested by a prosecutor who is currently in custody for unlawful influence in nine cases he handled, and I was convicted by a convicted judge who should not be serving in the judicial system. Therefore, today, based on the law, I have requested that the Supreme Court of Albania review the decisions concerning me. I hope Albanian justice rises to the occasion — even now, even belatedly. Light must overcome darkness,” Mr. Beleris concludes in his statement.