Special circular for judges HIGH DECISION TIRANA — As the first operations, so-called with the symbolic name of the «sweeper», are being carried out in our country, the President of Cassation, Mr. Skënder Mustafa, has sent a circular to all Albanian judges. According to this document, judges must show impartiality and severity toward people who steal and loot, while otherwise, according to the high head of Cassation, “strict measures will be taken.” It is not known exactly what this wording means, but on the one hand it underscores that in some way Mr. Mustafa is reacting to the voices and criticisms that have been made in Tirana regarding the reduction of sentences. The circular also speaks of punitive measures against persons who “steal private and social property and have committed crimes.” The circular emphasizes that judges, in carrying out their duties, must preserve the impartial and trustworthy image of justice. Opinions (1) BORROWED PUNISHMENT OR “THE FOREIGN PEN” In Albania, over these weeks, there has often been talk of tightening punishments for the so-called “ordinary criminals.” Not only have penalties been increased and numerous police checks are being carried out, but the idea of a “borrowed” punishment is also being launched, which goes against our entire legal system. Is this about bringing back the “exemplary punishment” of dark times? Or about a form of pressure on judges? (2) JUSTICE OFFICIALS SILENT No official reaction from the ministry and the competent bodies has been made known regarding this circular. If the document is authentic, then it presents a serious problem for the independence of the courts and for the rule of law itself. In a democratic state, the judge cannot be politically or administratively instructed on how he or she must issue a decision.

A draft is being prepared at the Ministry of Health No one will smoke in public places VAJOS SAKANXE TIRANA — A draft law on the control of tobacco use is being prepared by the Ministry of Health. It is thought that this law will ban the sale of cigarettes to high school students, as well as restrict smoking in public places. According to officials, the draft предусматриes the establishment of clear rules for the advertising, sale, and consumption of tobacco. If approved, shops and kiosks will be required not to sell cigarettes to persons under high-school age, while the consumption of tobacco in institutions and public transport will be prohibited. This draft comes at a time when smoking has spread significantly among young people. Public health authorities state that the goal is to protect young people and reduce the harm caused by nicotine.

Tirana Court the two accused friends TIRANA — The Tirana Court sentenced two defendants accused of attempted theft in a hotel in the capital to 6 months in prison each. According to the court file, the young men had entered the hotel premises with the aim of taking some items, but they were caught in time and their act was classified as an attempt. The bench stated that the evidence presented was not sufficient for a full charge of completed theft, but only for an attempt. The defense requested a lighter sentence, arguing that the defendants had no criminal record.

A strange appeal to protect the forests Two million hectares are not there. Ecologists fear catastrophe ANDREA STEFANI TIRANA — An urgent halt to forest cutting and a national plan to save forest areas is being called for. According to specialists and ecologists, Albania is rapidly losing its forest stock and risks major environmental consequences. In many areas, forests have been cut down indiscriminately, while the lack of control and poverty have encouraged uncontrolled exploitation. Experts are calling for immediate intervention and harsh measures against those who damage the forests.

FIER/ The skeleton of the regime's victim discovered after 40 years He cursed Stalin's mustache, Hoxha had massacred him Sketch by the intellectual from Shkodra FIER — (How deeply still etched in the memory of the persecuted is the rape of communism and dictatorship?) The abuse and contempt of the individual through internment and punishment, compared with the practices of the KGB and the Gestapo, constitute a dark part of our history. Many people were killed, disappeared, or massacred for words, for a joke, or for a stance considered “enemy.” The case mentioned here concerns an intellectual from Shkodra, who according to testimony had been brutally persecuted after he had cursed Stalin's mustache. After decades, his skeleton has been discovered and the event once again brings the crimes of the communist regime into focus. Our country still lacks a complete tally of the victims and of the places where they were secretly buried.

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