The Greek journalist mentions 3 reasons why the Beleri case threatens Albania's name in the EU/ Rama's answer

2023-08-27 10:57:00, Aktualitet CNA

The Greek journalist mentions 3 reasons why the Beleri case threatens

During an interview that Prime Minister Edi Rama gave for 'Kathemerini', the journalist listed three reasons why, according to his sources in Athens, the handling of the Beleri case by the Albanian institutions threatens Albania's name in the EU.

Rama did not accept such a thing and stated that he (Rama) and the government cannot interfere in the actions taken by different links of the justice system.

Below is part of the interview:

Journalist: Problems with the courts continue to be present. According to my sources in Athens, the handling of Beler's case by the Albanian institutions threatens Albania's name in the EU for three reasons: First, we know that Beler was not arrested at the scene of the suspected crime. Second, he was denied special permission to take the oath. Third, he is still in prison even though he cannot repeat the suspected crime. For this reason, Athena says that we have a wrongful arrest, wrongful exile and denial of human rights. This is why Athens has taken this position regarding the matter.

"I understand but I don't agree. I do not agree with a foreign country making in-depth comments about the actions of another country's justice system. In my opinion, this is not European. Based on what we know. We must consider the court's evidence. He was arrested red-handed with his vote-buying ring. Second, get permission to swear. In Albanian legislation, there is no power of the government or the prime minister to release someone prevented from leaving prison. This does not exist. On the other hand, those lawyers or whoever have to go through the court. There is no such thing as having to get a permit while in custody for a crime in flagrante delicto. While the court rejected it. Thirdly, you mentioned the third point, it was the imprisonment of a Mayor. He is a prisoner because he was not released at all three levels of Albania's judiciary. My question is simple. Where do I come in and where does the Albanian government come into this? I'll give a little background. These structures are independent from me and the government. I invite you to find a personal comment of mine and I have never commented on the actions of these new institutions. I told my people, this can be painful, we have built a judicial system that has never been in Albania before!" said Rama./CNA