The mayor of the Greek minority village of Himara, Vasili Bollano, has been sentenced 6 months in jail and also given a fine of over US$5,000 after he was charged with taking down signs in Greek minority areas that were not in the Greek language. Albania authorities claimed that the removal of the signs caused a great amount of confusion for tourists and other visitors who visit Albania's southwest coast. In addition to the above verdict, Bollano will not be able to hold any sort of public office for three years. Hmmm interesting to see how his party, Omonia, will move on being that he is currently the head of it.
Bollano has said he would take the case to the Human Rights court of Europe. Do you think this is a way that Albania is trying to suppress the rights of the Greek minority of Albania?
posted on Wednesday, April 22
jbaba83... ...I agree that he broke the law as well, but the punishment was too harsh. A fine would've sufficed, I wouldn't even have gone so far as to remove him from office.
But a more judicious approach would've been for Mr. Bollano to appeal to the Albanian government for the Non-Greek signs to contain Greek writing as well. Being that the village contains Greek minority residents, I think that would've been appropriate and would've satisfied both parties.
GP11... ...This really isnt supression of the Greek minority. Bollano broke the law and abused his power and its inspired for his own nationalist cause. It was totally irresponsible of him, and he deserves punishment. But 6 months in prison is a bit ridiculous for something so petty.......
They should just make him pay a fine and step down from Mayor.
In Albania, signs should be in Albanian. (and English is Intl)
In Greece, signs should be in Greek (and English is Intl)
Same goes for everywhere....We all know wed be upset if a Slav in the North put up a road sign in their Bulgarian language...Dont blame Albania for doing the same I say.
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