From Ankara to Tirana: “In Albania we have it easy” Foreign illegal migrants recount the route VLORE - Yesterday dozens of foreign illegal migrants, mainly Kurds and Iranians, arrived on the Brindisi-Vlora ferry. Most of them were accompanied by children, who clearly could not bear the difficult journey. When asked where they were going, they said that their destination was Germany and the countries of Western Europe. The migrants entered Albania through the Turkish-Greek border in order to continue onward toward Vlora. According to some of their testimonies, the journey lasted 7 days and cost around 1,500 marks. Such an itinerary was chosen to make the crossing from Albania to Italy easier. According to them, Albania is the most suitable country for passing illegal migrants, and for this reason agencies based in Ankara and Istanbul periodically organize their departure in groups. The visa to enter Albania was obtained very easily. Likewise, the trip was made by ferries on the Turkey-Albania route. Asked about this expression, officials of the Vlora police said that in many cases illegal migrants were unable to complete their journey for reasons beyond their control. The Brindisi-Vlora route is not always safe, even because of the weather. When asked where they would go, some of them pointed to the map where “Vlora” was marked. Others said they did not really know what they should do after arriving in Albania. However, one thing was clear: Albania was seen by them as the easiest trampoline to reach Italy and then the West.

Tahami in the Prison Hospital, the trial cannot proceed Tahami in the Prison Hospital, “The trial cannot proceed” TIRANE - Separating Tahami from the “Ajsidi” trial was an unavoidable condition for it to continue. This is because, given the serious condition of this defendant—described as the head of the “organization” of revenge—the framework of a fully normal court hearing could not be ensured. As stated in the prison doctors’ report, defendant V. Tahami suffers from a perforated duodenal ulcer. This illness has been accompanied by an unfavorable course and electrocardiographic disturbances, which have required his admission to the surgical ward of the prison hospital. The doctors recommend that he remain in the hospital for two weeks. Under these conditions, the members of the judicial panel have found it difficult to continue the normal course of the trial, since Tahami is the person who had undertaken to speak on behalf of the others as well. Thus the stage has passed into the hands of the defense lawyers, who at the moment have preferred a strategy of refusal. Despite the efforts of the presiding judge to separate this issue, since the hearing was being held against the defendants who were present, the defense lawyers, despite the legal reservation, refused to take part in the trial. Under these conditions, the court was forced to postpone the trial to another date. At yesterday’s hearing, after discussions about separating Tahami from this trial, his defense lawyer, Maksim Haxhia, requested that the session be suspended, on the grounds that Tahami could not be represented by another lawyer other than him. The lawyer for the other defendant, Arjan Koçi, held the same view; for him he submitted a medical report. According to him, Koçi has been admitted to Hospital No. 1 and cannot withstand such a court hearing. Later the presiding judge stated that the court had decided to separate Tahami from the “Ajsidi” trial because, due to his health condition, he could not appear in court. The court considered justified the request made by the lawyers to be given prior access to the case materials, so that the right of defense would not be infringed. Under these conditions the hearing was postponed to 24 March at 10:00.

Football Yesterday 21 goals Football Yesterday 21 goals Tirana chosen, the second place remains a mystery Koçi, the “hungry” one for goals Butrintar with the score 4-0. For most of the match the Tirana team dominated, and at the end of the match it won 3-0. In any case the Tirana team remained in the lead. As also emerged in the other matches of the week, the big differences were noticed mostly among the teams at the bottom of the standings. This meant that after the 25th round there were no changes in the top places, only in the danger zone. Kallmeti defeated Shkumbini 2-1, while Flamurtari beat Tomori 1-0. Apolonia defeated Teuta 2-0, while Vllaznia and Partizani drew 1-1. Dinamo drew with Elbasani, while Skënderbeu defeated Besëlidhja. In the overall standings Tirana keeps the lead, but the second place remains unclear.

Bilalani: Old stereotypes TIRANË - The statements by the spokesman of the Athens government that the “Islamic risk” in Albania is increasing and that the country is being used as a transit ground for Iranian fundamentalists are completely unfounded and part of a smear campaign. This is how the chairman of the Muslim Community of Albania, Bilalani, expressed himself, adding that “for us, those assessments are expressions of old stereotypes about Albanian Muslims.” According to him, “our community is focused on rebuilding religious life and educating believers, not on politics.”

“Accuariò” was fishing without a permit VLORË - The court hearing against the four members of the Italian crew of the fishing vessel “Accuariò” continued yesterday with the defense requesting acquittal. According to the defense lawyer, the vessel was not fishing in Albanian waters, but had entered the port because of bad weather. The prosecution authorities insisted that fishing had been carried out without permission in our territorial waters. The court panel postponed the hearing for a ruling in the coming days.

Conflict between villages over an elder’s decision Berat, police intervene. Six wounded BERAT - An armed conflict between residents of two villages has ended with six wounded. The incident occurred after a clash linked to an elder’s decision. According to police sources, the intervention of the order forces prevented the conflict from escalating further. The wounded were taken to the city hospital and their condition does not appear to be serious.

Durres “Clyka”: “They are prosecuting unemployment” Durrës A bankruptcy law in Albania project Clyka: “They are prosecuting unemployment” DURRES - The chairman of the Business Association “Glyka”, P. Lyka, criticized the lack of a legal framework for bankruptcy in Albania, stressing that private business is facing numerous difficulties and that unemployment is increasing. According to him, such a law would clarify the procedures and protect entrepreneurship. He also called for measures to encourage investment and create jobs.

Besa-Lushnja 1-0 Besëlidhja-Tirana 3-1 Sarandë-Flamurtari 0-1 Laçi-Apolonia 2-1 Partizani-Tomori 1-2 Teuta-Tirana 3-2 Vllaznia-Luftëtari 2-0

GAZETA With Renzo and Nilda in America With Renzo and Nilda in America

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