Voters in 20 EU countries cast ballots on final day of European Parliament election
PBS NewsHourJun 18
The Facts
Fredi Beleri, a Greek-born Albanian politician recently elected member of the European Parliament (MEP), arrived in Athens on Monday, a day after he was granted a five-day leave from an Albanian prison.
Beleri was temporarily freed to attend the opening session of the new European Parliament in Strasbourg after he won a Greek seat in the EU legislature as a member of the ruling New Democracy party.
The Spin
Narrative A
Albanian authorities have, at least, complied with their obligation to allow Beleri to attend to his responsibilities in the European Parliament. However, the state of the rule of law in that country remains a matter of concern as Beleri has long been deprived of his presumption of innocence.
Narrative B
Beleri has been a threat to Albania. He joined the Greek army three decades ago to attack an Albanian border post and kill two soldiers, and last year reappeared calling to Hellenize Himara in a Greece-funded campaign based on buying votes. However, allowing him to leave Albania is no sign of weakness but rather a civilized move.
