"I Will Not Give Up on Himara." This resolute message comes from Fredi Beleri, the elected mayor of the coastal city of Himara, during an interview for the "Live News" show with journalist Nikos Evangeliatos. Beleri, who is currently serving his sentence in Fier Prison, shared insights into his daily life behind bars and his unwavering commitment to his political and community goals.
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| Screenshot of Fredi Beleri during an interview for the "Live News" show with journalist Nikos Evangeliatos |
In the interview, Beleri described his prison routine, highlighting the significance of two items that provide him comfort and strength each day: an image of the Virgin Mary gifted by Archbishop Anastas of the Orthodox Church, and a photograph of his family. These mementos, he explained, help him maintain his resolve during this challenging period.
When asked about his selection as one of the 42 candidates on the New Democracy party's list for the European elections, Beleri expressed his gratitude to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He emphasized that his potential election as a Member of the European Parliament would not mean abandoning the Greek minority in Albania. On the contrary, he pledged to be their voice in the European Parliament.
Beleri firmly declared his commitment to proving his innocence and advocating for the rights of the people of Himara. "I wake up in the morning and see before me the image of the Virgin Mary. For thirty years that I have been involved in politics, I wanted to serve the rights of the Greeks of Northern Epirus. We do not have rights, we are far from what we call the rule of law, and I will fight for them in the European Parliament. I thank the Greek Prime Minister for this move to participate in the European elections, which gives me the opportunity to support Himara from a different perspective. I will not give up on Himara. When I am convicted, I will not have political rights in Albania, and that was the primary goal."
Beleri's determination reflects his long-standing dedication to his community and his belief in justice and representation. Despite his current incarceration, he remains steadfast in his mission to advocate for the rights of the Greek minority and to fight for the development and recognition of Himara at both national and European levels.