The account of the video, “I did not interfere, I handed it over to the prosecutor’s office.” Businessman Bekim Halilaj: The winner had been predetermined, the minister did not apply the law TESTIMONY OF THE FORMER MINISTER: I WAS SICK, ILIR TOOK MY BLANKET AWAY OIL AUCTION Prifti: They offered me and Meta 1 million USD The account of the video, “I did not interfere, I handed it over to the prosecutor’s office.” Businessman Bekim Halilaj: The winner had been predetermined, the minister did not apply the law

Testimony: He beat me, the court released him On page 17

Opinion of the Day By BEDRI ÇOKU If there was a time when I followed with interest the workings of our “democratized” parliament, it was precisely the time when in this parliament... This is why they attack the man of truth... Continues on page 22

Opinion of the Day By FATMIR TOÇI In a few days Albania enters its 100th year since the declaration of its Independence, a major event for any nation moving toward freedom... Independence and the Vlora syndrome Continues on page 23

Candidate for KLSH, Paloka: I am in favor On page 7

Bardhyl Londo: Censorship also worked in Saint Petersburg (In the photo:) Writer Bardhyl Londo. Writer Dritëro Agolli The writer publishes the banned poems and the issues in the collection “Flight of the Crows” and tells the memories of literature under dictatorship Escape from prison and the account of the visit to Sofia in 1987. How Fatos Arapi met his former Bulgarian lover, Tanja, after 30-odd years On pages 20-21

By THIMI SAMARXHIU Dritan Prifti, the main prosecution witness in the case against former Deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, testified yesterday before the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court. For four hours, Prifti answered questions from the prosecutors, Meta’s lawyers, and the members of the Criminal Chamber. Throughout his testimony, the former Minister of Economy emphasized the numerous pressures exerted by Ilir Meta to sign illegal dealings. Prifti testifies that Meta even went so far as to come to his house and lift him out of bed, even though he was ill. Below is Dritan Prifti’s testimony before the Criminal Chamber. Presiding judge: We warn you of your responsibility to tell the truth and only the truth, otherwise you are subject to criminal liability for false testimony. Dritan Prifti: I swear. Judge: What is your profession?..... Continues on pages 2-3

FLAMES BATTLE On page 9

QUALITY On page 12

INSTAT FIGURES On page 10

ACCIDENT, THE RASH JOURNALIST SPEAKS On page 9