Absence of its elected mayor Freddy Belleris and with the presence of a strong police force, the newly elected City Council of the municipality of Chimarrai met today in Chimarra in an official ceremony of assuming its duties for the next four years.

Yesterday, the Special Court of Albania rejected a request by the defense of Beleris to allow him to participate in the swearing-in ceremony, which would officially grant him the anointing of the mayor.

The court cited a “legal gap”, since according to its reasoning, such cases are not foreseen in the legal system.

The meeting of the Municipal Council began with the election of the chairman of the Municipal Council and the councilors who will represent the municipality of Chimarras in the Regional Council of Avlonas.

Supporters of Freddy Beleris had gathered in the area and protested both his arrest and the court’s refusal to allow his participation in the proceedings.

Among others present were the president of the KEAD Mr. Vangelis Doules and the Greek ambassador Constantina Kamitsi, who described Beleris’ absence as “a great blow to the rule of law and the presumption of innocence”.

As he said, “it would be a big setback for Albania’s efforts to join the EU if a democratically elected mayor who has not even been charged, tried, or convicted, loses the right to exercise his duties. The EU is above all a community of values, these values ​​must be respected and implemented by every country that wants to become a member.”

Since the ruling Socialist Party controls the majority of the City Council, the new council president also belongs to Edi Rama’s party.

The newly elected president of the Board of Directors, who presided over the continuation of the meeting, refused to read an informational document presented by the Beleris defense which stated the reasons for the new mayor’s absence. For his part, Fredy Beleris issued a greeting to the municipal councilors and the residents of Heimarra. Among other things, it characterizes his arrest as illegal and the 45-day pretrial detention so far unjust. He considers the obstruction to take part in the swearing-in today an attempt to alienate the election result. He notes, however, that he believes “in the power of truth, goodness, and virtue.”

“In this test”, he says characteristically, there will be no crucifixion. The battle, he adds, will be fought and won.” On the occasion, he calls on his supporters to show patience, faith in democracy and the rule of law. Finally, it calls on international organizations to intervene to restore justice and defend rights. Until the judicial process is completed, the outgoing Giorgos Goros, who was supported by Mr. Eddy Rama’s Socialist Party and defeated by Beleris, remains mayor.