Court: Zhulali, Shamata, Cela, Muhosmani and Rama in cells indefinitely Agim Tirana: There will be more arrests for the March culprits Justice bulletin FATOS BAXHAKU Last night Tirana was shaken by the arrests of former Defense Minister Safet Zhulali, his former deputy Hektor Shamata, former chief of the army general staff Sali Çela, and the commander of the Republican Guard, Gazmend Muhosmani. The detainees were charged by the prosecution with four criminal offenses: “Abuse of duty,” “Misuse of military uniform,” “Acts hindering the discovery of the truth,” and “Obstruction of justice.” The four senior officers spent several hours before the court’s black-robed judges, who ordered pretrial detention without time limit. Former Interior Minister Agim Shehu was also on this list, but in the courtroom the prosecution announced that it was dropping his detention. In his place, former Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi will be arrested, since according to the prosecution he signed the order to use the army to protect institutions. Meksi is the fifth accused on the list of people who sat before the judge last night, but the judge returned his file to the prosecution. Meksi is the second person for whom the court ordered arrest in absentia. The first was Safet Zhulali, who, although last night he was in the courtroom escorted by prison police, was considered by the black robes to be a fugitive. Among the eight people arrested last night was also KLD member Dashamir Gjergji. He is accused of ordering a prosecutor not to pursue criminal proceedings against a police station, as well as ordering the arrest of his secretary. Gjergji was also head of the Tirana Court. Also placed under arrest last night was the former secretary of the Committee for Pluralism, Fehmi Hanxhari. TIRANA - At least seven more arrest warrants are expected to be executed in Tirana in the coming hours. This was stated yesterday by the head of the capital’s Criminal Police, Agim Tirana. More arrests are also being carried out in the districts. Further developments from this event moments after the judge’s decision to impose the sentence (photo Hektor Rrustani)

TIRANA - Socialist deputy Gramoz Ruçi challenged former Prime Minister Berisha yesterday, saying that if he is innocent he should give up his parliamentary immunity and allow justice to investigate him. Ruçi made this statement yesterday after a marathon session of the Parliamentary Presidency, which decided to ask the Mandates Council to convene to examine the Prosecutor’s request to lift the immunity of Democratic deputy Sali Berisha. Ruçi said the issue of immunity has created an absurd debate, since in his view Berisha himself has insisted that he is innocent and is therefore ready to appear before the justice authorities. If he is innocent, as he claims, he should request the lifting of his own immunity and present himself before justice. “If Berisha does not do this, then it is every deputy’s duty to vote for the lifting of his immunity,” Ruçi said. The Socialist deputy also accused Berisha of trying to cover up responsibility for the events of March 1997 through immunity. He added that facing justice is the only way to clarify each person’s role in those events. According to Ruçi, Parliament should act without delay to allow the justice institutions to do their job. He emphasized that the Prosecutor’s request must be treated seriously and without political calculations.

Police: The largest quantity Hash, caught in Koman with weapons TIRANA - According to Tirana Police statistics, there are 450 unresolved cases of firearm murders that occurred during the unrest, the armed conflict, and afterwards. Many of them are linked to the events of March 1997. Meanwhile, the police said that work is continuing to identify the perpetrators and seize the weapons used. HAS - Late last night in the town of Koman, an armed man was arrested, who, according to police sources, was suspected of ties to criminal groups. Weapons and ammunition were seized from him. The police said they are investigating his links to recent criminal घटनություններ. (continues on page 12)

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FATOS BAXHAKU Last night Tirana was shaken by the arrests of former Defense Minister Safet Zhulali, his former deputy Hektor Shamata, former chief of the army general staff Sali Çela, and the commander of the Republican Guard, Gazmend Muhosmani. The detainees were charged by the prosecution with four criminal offenses: “Abuse of duty,” “Misuse of military uniform,” “Acts hindering the discovery of the truth,” and “Obstruction of justice.” The four senior officers spent several hours before the court’s black-robed judges, who ordered pretrial detention without time limit. Former Interior Minister Agim Shehu was also on this list, but in the courtroom the prosecution announced that it was dropping his detention. In his place, former Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi will be arrested, since according to the prosecution he signed the order to use the army to protect institutions. Meksi is the fifth accused on the list of people who sat before the judge last night, but the judge returned his file to the prosecution. (continues on page 4)

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TIRANA - Residents of the outskirts of the capital will pay a tax for wastewater and stormwater drainage. The drainage system in these areas has been improved and the municipality is expected to introduce a new fee for the service. According to official sources, payment will begin after the main investments in the network are completed. (continues on page 5)

DURRËS - Another case of abuse of public property has been uncovered in the coastal city. According to the police and local authorities, blocks of materials reserved for public needs were also sold. Investigations are continuing to determine those responsible. (continues on page 7)

DURRËS - The emergency штаб and local structures are dealing with a matter related to the person known as Paniku. Official sources report that he is in KOS, while the police are verifying the circumstances and possible links to recent events. (continues on page 9)

Coca-Cola bottling enterprise Tirana Sh.P.K. Condolences The company management expresses its deepest condolences for the sudden loss of Mr. Angjelo Mulleti. The service he performed, in the interest of the company, will remain in everyone’s hearts as a respectful memory. Unfortunately, being close to the Mulleti family, to encourage them to face difficulties with courage, to interpret indisputable.