The Transparency Commission conducts checks. The general hosts a feast in Berat Two hours after the arrest report on “Zëri Amerikës,” Gërxhalliu tells “Republika”: I will resume operations on February 6

The pyramid schemes seem to have managed to bewilder everyone. Yesterday afternoon, radio station “Zëri i Amerikës” broadcast sensational news. Fitim Gërxhalliu, co-president of “Gjallica,” had been arrested. In reporting this news, the radio correspondent cited the spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior, Ndrek Gjini. Yesterday, hours after the sensational report was broadcast, our newspaper managed to interview Mr. Gërxhalliu himself at his father’s home. Gërxhalliu, perfectly calm, denied the report and expressed optimism about the future of his company. In connection with this company, news from Vlora reports that a loan has been obtained to unlock the situation. A well-known lawyer says otherwise, declaring that Gjallica is dead. An equally well-known banker says the opposite, even speaking of state preference for the large company. While Gërxhalliu was giving his interview to “Republika,” someone informed the editorial office that a public protest was taking place at the doors of this company’s dental clinic. Windows were being smashed and acts of violence were being committed. Our journalist returned from the scene laughing. The building’s guard had not seen anyone protesting all afternoon, let alone breaking windows. Yesterday the Albanian government managed to devise a strategy for distributing the money it had frozen a few days earlier. The money had been blocked pending the findings of the commission on whether the charitable foundations were pyramid schemes or not. In fact, the government has decided on a distribution strategy without waiting for this commission. There are three possibilities: - The government knows that the frozen money comes from pyramid schemes. - The commission has submitted its findings to the government, but not publicly. - The government is playing with people’s nerves and devising empty, consoling strategies. The contradictions surrounding the pyramid schemes throughout the week are now also coming from reliable sources of information. People, all eyes and ears, are constantly waiting; one moment they freeze, the next they thaw. The scales have been swinging for some time, but cannot find their balance.

Sunday’s square case comes before the Court. 13 prison sentences and 37 fines for the rally-goers We were passersby; the crowd swept us along Mass theft in the Student City The girls had their jewelry stolen The police do not patrol as long as it is calm Page 2 Sunday’s square case comes before the Court. 13 prison sentences and 37 fines for the rally-goers. We were passersby; the crowd swept us along

Late last night, following a phone call, an unconfirmed source told “Republika” that Fitim Gërxhalliu, co-president of “Gjallica,” had been placed under house arrest. According to the source, this measure was taken following the statements Mr. Gërxhalliu gave yesterday to foreign radio stations and the Albanian press.

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“REPUBLIKA” newspaper, “Sami Frashëri” Street, near “Petro Nini Luarasi” high school, Tirana, Account No. BTK 986/110 Tel/Fax 259 88