Bukoshi: I accuse SHIK of Krasniqi’s murder “Berisha certainly has some information. We must not allow Kosovo to become a black hole in the region. Albania has been a testing ground for various secret services.” On pages 12–13

By yesterday, 15,000 Albanians had the FLU The first flu death was recorded by the infectious diseases hospital on December 27. The first victim was a 69-year-old female patient from Tirana, who was unable to withstand severe pneumonia brought on by the flu... On page 9

But who is there to protect the prosecutors?

On page 5 Former Chief Prosecutor of Tirana, Dolores Velaj

paradox Edmond TUPJA On a gloomy November day, I don’t even know how I found myself, in a suit and tie, at a reception held in a centuries-old building in the Mussolinian style, once ministerial, then dictatorial, and later presidential. The reception was hosted by Mr. A., the first man—not of the alphabet, but of the country—in honor of an international figure. Of course, I wasn’t the only guest, God forbid, though I don’t believe in Him! Messrs. B and C had also come, with their ladies (but without dogs). In a word, the country’s elite. Almost all of them had studied abroad, mainly in France, like me. Back in the days of the Red Right. Dignitaries had also arrived wearing jackets, trousers and underwear with no back side—in other words, clothes you can turn whichever way is convenient. Everyone was exceedingly smiling. Exceedingly confident. Exceedingly well-informed. Exceedingly knowledgeable. Exceedingly well-mannered. Exceedingly polite. In a word, brimming with culture. Before we sat down at the table for dinner, we had a drink standing up, as an aperitif, just to whet our appetites. The conversation gathered pace and turned to current topics, preferably social, cultural and political ones. The encyclopedic gentlemen began saying things... Continued on page 21

Bad weather, a power pylon falls A serious fault in the high-voltage lines has left around 200,000 residents in the northern areas without electricity. Since Tuesday morning, the power supply has been cut off, leaving Kukës Prefecture and parts of Mirditë and Pukë without electricity. The cause was the collapse of a high-voltage pylon, which also interrupted the transmission of power. Crews had arrived at the site by Wednesday morning, but they have still been unable to get the pylon back on its feet... On page 16