The elected mayor of Chimara, Freddy Peleris, was convicted of vote-buying and sentenced to two years in prison by a special prosecutor for corruption and organized crime.
Before announcing the decision, Beleris issued statements where he said the case was political.
It is important to note that for him to lose his position, the decision must be final.
“This is a political issue and all principles, including the presumption of innocence, have been violated with me.”
The meeting was also attended by a representative of the Greek Embassy.
For Beleris, the special prosecutor sought a prison sentence of 2 years and 6 months. As for the other defendant, Pantelis Kokavesis, an associate of Beleris, SPAK (Special Organization for Combating Corruption) requested a two-year prison sentence.
Beleris, who ran under the coalition slogan “Together We Win”, was arrested two days before the May 14 local elections after he was caught buying votes.
At the same time, his close associate, Pantelis Kokavesis, received an 18-month prison sentence suspended for three years.
Beleris told the court:
“This investigation and these allegations are ridiculous. These results cannot be taken into account and there is no evidence on file. All the findings of the prosecutor's office are denied by my lawyers. Sooner or later, the truth will come out one day,” Beleris said.
“I was monitored 24 hours a day and the data didn't match. At the same time Arzenis allegedly spoke to me, he was at the Avlona police station. The prosecution should verify the facts. The Court of Appeal accepted all of the prosecution's claims and none of mine. One of them requested information in Avlona court. It was a political issue and all principles, including the presumption of innocence, were violated with me. “The plea of the prosecution to award a sentence of 2.6 years is unreasonable,” he asserted.
” he asked [η εισαγγελία] Suspension for two mayors. Every time there is an election the result is the same, Chimaris are not stupid. It is unfair to assign a patriotic meaning to this matter. I'm sure, I don't feel guilty. Sooner or later I will get justice. Today we have to say no to power pressure, others are bystanders, loyal to the party. History will judge both prosecutors.”
Brother's first reaction
“False testimony, the conspiracy was prepared from the beginning to prevent the mayor of Heimaras from managing the municipality,” underlined Leonardo Peleris, brother of Freddy Peleris, who was found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison by a special anti-corruption court. and Organized Crime (SPAK).
