Heated debate during yesterday’s discussions. Microphones ripped out, fists pounding tables, and confrontations among MPs “Battle” in Parliament: Election Law approved Opposition does not vote: “An unconstitutional coup.” D.P.: “We met the demands” TIRANA - The new Election Law has entered into force, provoking a strong reaction from the opposition. Around three hours of extremely heated debate, followed in the end by approval of the bill, which also sparked the strongest reactions from party representatives. For P.S. Deputy Chairman Servet Pëllumbi, “a law that should have been approved by consensus of all has been voted through in the most arbitrary manner.” On page 3 Protest by Socialist MPs in the Parliament chamber

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TIRANA - A colleague—Altin Hazizaj of “Koha Jonë”—has passed through the gates of Tirana prison. For every arrest or other detention, he had made it clearly understood, without drawing attention, that the most that could happen was a short note in the pages of the newspaper. But what happened on Wednesday cannot help but sadden us, if not the readers, who have often had the opportunity to connect with his articles, then at least his colleagues, in whom it has left a bitter feeling. We still do not know the details of what actually happened on the outskirts of Tirana, in the place called Allias. In these turbulent times, the truth is often confused amid claims and counterclaims, beginning with the journalist and continuing in another form through the truth. But what must prevail is one principle, rather than a divided situation in which the same things contradict one another. Whatever the case, in the Hazizaj matter we have a journalist in prison, and this cannot remain a shock that lasts only for a while, as we move toward civilization. If Hazizaj went to prison of his own accord, that is another matter—and society must show the greatest respect for this issue—he himself must answer for it, just as it would be right for the thousands who break the law to answer before him, people who sometimes, we say with regret, never appear before the courts. But who will answer if Hazizaj proves that precisely the opposite happened, if he insists and proves that he was obstructed in his work of informing others? Is the “information in the pages of the newspaper” always sacred—as it must be in a democracy? Fatos Baxhaku

The issue of fabricated testimony reignites Prosecutors’ investigations are expected to clarify everything about a murder committed in ’93 TIRANA - The justice scandal in Vlorë has reignited. The case of the lawyer accused of falsification has sparked strong protests from the General Prosecutor’s Office, which has appealed to the Court of Cassation to overturn the Vlorë court’s ruling. “The lawyer Lila must be sent back to prison; he falsified documents to have two murderers declared innocent”—this is the request made by the General Prosecutor’s Office to the senior judges in the capital. On page 5

Tirana, appeal to traders On page 5

After discussions with the parties, Skalfaro’s choice was announced yesterday ROME - Italy’s prime minister appointed. On Thursday, Italian President Oskar Luixi Skalfaro appointed Antonjo Makaniko as the country’s prime minister. Immediately after his appointment, Makaniko, 71, told reporters that he would try to form a new government with broad parliamentary support and would work to carry out radical constitutional and electoral reforms. If formed, Makaniko’s government will be the 55th since the Second World War and will replace Dini’s caretaker cabinet of Democrats, which resigned on January 11. On page 2 Prime Minister Makaniko (REUTERS) Prime Minister Makaniko (REUTERS)

A supergang has been uncovered Tirana, they had attacked more than 18 businesses The organization of thieves has 11 members. Most are young men over 20 years old. Goods worth millions of lekë were stolen. On page 5

KRUJË “Katani” takes schools under its protection On page 5

DURRËS Heroin case: “11 years for two female perpetrators” On page 5

ELBASAN 3 robbers of the municipal treasury arrested On page 5

SHKODËR Police impound cars with curtains On page 5

Dramatic increase in cigarette prices on the wholesale market. The “culprit” is the dwindling volume of imports Dramatic increase in cigarette prices on the wholesale market Smoking gets more expensive The “culprit” is the dwindling volume of imports

Peace and anguish between the parties TIRANA - Wardrobes and sofas thrown into the street. Bed springs bent upright and piles of mattresses and quilts left in the streets. Mud everywhere and socks filled with water. Dozens of people, who had spent an entire night outside, looked up at the windows of the block where they had been confined. People were passing all around. Yesterday, cars began arriving early in the morning. But peace now seems to have returned between them and the rebellious residents. On page 7

Vlorë, one victim has had their spleen removed VLORË - Teenagers are once again the protagonists of violent incidents. In Vlorë, a 17-year-old wounded three others, one of whom ended up in hospital and now has an injured spleen. The incident became a bloody affair following a trivial argument. At first he stabbed E. Agan, 18, at close range, and then 19-year-old L. Agaj and 14-year-old M. Agaj were called over. Immediately after the incident, everyone was taken to hospital, along with the three injured people from Rruga e Vlorës.

Attempted assassination? MP Hajdari’s accident On page 5

Hazizaj case PAD appeal: “Stop the violence against the Albanian” On page 3