CHILLING TESTIMONY OF THE WOUNDED DRIVER: THEY DRANK THE BLOOD FROM MY HAND

MESSAGE Rexhep Meidani The incident in Berat, where three police officers and four citizens were killed by a gang of criminals, which was then eliminated after a prolonged [unclear], is one of the gravest events the country has experienced in recent years. Many families are mourning today the loss of their loved ones, who will no longer be with us. We are all shaken. The state and society have once again been struck. I wish to express my deepest condolences to the families of the murdered police officers, to their friends and colleagues in Berat and throughout Albania, confident that this loss will further strengthen their resolve in the fight against crime. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the innocent citizens who fell into criminal hands. On this dark day, we must highly commend the courage and bravery of the RENEA forces and the Berat police, who managed to put a stop to the continuation of the crime. I know that today, everywhere, people are asking how we can rid ourselves of ordinary or organized crime, which threatens to hold our society hostage and keep it in a state of anxiety. The police have the law at their disposal to act without the slightest hesitation against criminals and against anyone who violates the laws and rules of the state. The most sound part of the Albanian police is taking this challenge forward and will win it. But I want to reiterate that this is a grave matter of public concern; it is an issue for the entire people. I call on Albanian citizens to help the police, support the police, and show the greatest possible respect and affection for the police uniform. The incident in Berat cannot help but make us ask how these young killers set out to steal and end up as criminals without honor or faith. The disease of seeking easy gains without scruples, of wanting to get ahead quickly and without effort, has affected part of our society for years. This disease is infecting adolescents too. The end of this disease is always tragedy and death. We must ask this question everywhere: in our families, our schools, and all other settings. I want to address parents in particular, mothers and fathers. Take the weapons out of your children’s hands! Take greater care of your children! Teach your children to live through honest work and simplicity, as is the tradition in the Albanian family. I direct this appeal to teachers and adults as well—to everyone.

Documentary photo After much investigation, we decided to publish on the front page of “Gazeta Shqiptare” a photo of Florenc Polovina, 31, who, together with two adolescents, massacred 3 police officers and 4 civilians in Berat, took 8-month-old Jonada hostage and mutilated her. This macabre photo was taken in the morgue of Berat hospital, a few hours before their burial. We apologize to the many readers who may be shaken by this image and the other photos on the inside pages, but this is the reality of crime.

On page 19

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 50, ALL THE FIGURES FOR THE TEAMS On pages 12-13

The bandits’ parents: We don’t want the children; let the municipality bury them The RENEA man: Here is the trap that freed the two hostages, mother and daughter Majko’s call in Berat: Strict order—kill the criminals The Shkodran driver: My hours of terror with the three killers On pages 6-7