Millions of dollars in losses for the state After the arrests, Prosecutor Hoxhëni explains: "Here is what was uncovered" ANDREA STEFANI TIRANA — The first survey that the General Prosecutor’s Office carried out on public properties put into private use has led to the discovery of a major affair. It concerns six Tirana hotels that had been used by private parties until some time ago. The investigations have uncovered illegal acts through which the Albanian state has suffered major losses worth up to millions of dollars. One of the protagonists in this affair was arrested last night. This is Nesti Doganaku, former general director of the Tourism Agency. Arrest warrants have also been issued for two of his subordinates. Specifically, these are Arqile Xhixho and Ylli Kasmi. According to data from the General Prosecutor’s Office, the arrest warrants were issued for "abuse of office." "For this suspicion of non-payment for the use of public property in private hands, criminal responsibility will be sought," Prosecutor Hoxhëni told the press. He added that, together with the tax authorities, the possibility of civil compensation is also being considered. According to a preliminary calculation, the economic damage caused to the state amounts to 10 million dollars. "For the most part, these are public properties leased out with a ridiculous fee, where even the most minimal contractual conditions were not respected," said Hoxhëni. The investigations began after numerous complaints about favoritism, the involvement of unauthorized persons, and illegal gains in several tourist facilities in the capital. Among them are hotels and service buildings that were transferred to private use without proper procedures. The prosecution does not rule out the possibility of expanding the file to include other persons as well. Sources close to it said that checks will continue for other institutions that have administered state properties. If further criminal elements are proven, additional charges may be brought against those involved. In public opinion, the case has been met with great interest, since it directly concerns the way state property was managed during the years of transition. The investigations have only just begun and, according to the prosecution, will be broadened further. The accused building

New changes to Albania’s Penal Code The draft law provides only 10 articles for the capital punishment; after 15 years the prisoner may benefit from the right to amnesty ARMAND SHKEMO TIRANA — Yesterday, a copy of the draft law on the Penal Code reached our newsroom. It confirms that criminal phenomena in our country have seen a significant increase and that lawmakers are seeking new tools to confront them. In this context, the draft law provides for important changes in criminal sanctions, limiting the cases of the death penalty and expanding the use of life imprisonment. According to the new version, the capital sentence will remain only for a limited number of criminal offenses, altogether around 10 articles. For many serious crimes, the maximum sanction is expected to be life imprisonment. Legal experts consulted consider this a step toward alignment with European standards, although the debate over the deterrent effect of the death penalty remains open. The draft law also provides that a person sentenced to life imprisonment may benefit from the right to amnesty after 15 years, depending on behavior and special circumstances. This element is expected to spark discussion, as it touches the balance between the strictness of the law and the possibility of rehabilitation. The draft text also clarifies a series of other criminal offenses. Provisions against economic crimes, corruption, and violence with serious consequences are strengthened. More precise wording is also envisaged for criminal responsibility, participation in crime, and aggravating circumstances. Approval of the draft law is expected to be accompanied by broad parliamentary and public debate. In the context of a troubled reality, where public order and security remain sensitive issues, reforms in criminal legislation are seen as part of a broader effort to strengthen the rule of law.

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Demonstration of Macedonian politics SKOPJE — [...] [?]

INSIDE The confessions of a young girl "Her fiancé did not want her to study" Whoever fails ends up back in prison ON PAGE 3 Bomb on an elementary school, seven dead in Sarajevo Among the victims are also three children ON PAGE 2

Now his parents can hope for his life After the appeal, the sick child is being treated in a hospital in Bari DURRËS — The little boy, after a long time in a "coma," may recover if he undergoes a special operation. The child, about whom "Gazeta Shqiptare" had written before, arrived in Italy, where he will be treated free of charge. The appeal was followed with interest and immediately after it was published the family received help. Italian doctors and institutions offered to contribute to the transport and the necessary intervention. The child’s parents said this was their last hope. In the published photograph, the moments of departure can be seen, when little Regi is accompanied by relatives. The journey to Bari was made with urgent assistance and support from well-wishers. The doctors at the hospital where he is being treated are expected to decide in the coming days about the surgical intervention. The family thanks everyone who showed solidarity with the case.

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The confessions of a young girl "Her fiancé did not want her to study" Whoever fails ends up back in prison

Bomb on an elementary school, seven dead in Sarajevo Among the victims are also three children