Prifti: Me and Meta were offered 1 million USD TESTIMONY OF THE FORMER MINISTER: I WAS SICK, ILIR TOOK MY ROBE OFF 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 work 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 great event to be experienced by every nation striving for 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 St. Petersburg (In the photo:) Writer Bardhyl Londo. Writer Dritëro Agolli The writer publishes the banned poems and the issues in the collection “Fluturimi i Korbave” and tells 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 connection with the case against former deputy prime minister Ilir Meta, testified yesterday before the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court. Over 4 hours, Prifti answered questions from prosecutors, Meta’s lawyers, and members of the Criminal Chamber. Throughout his testimony, the former Minister of Economy alleged many pressures exerted by Ilir Meta to get him to sign illegal deals. Prifti testifies that Meta went so far as to come to his house and lift him out of bed, although he was ill. Below is Dritan Prifti’s testimony given yesterday before the Criminal Chamber. The presiding judge: We warn you of the responsibility to tell the truth and only the truth; otherwise, you are subject to criminal law for false testimony. Dritan Prifti: I swear. Judge: What is your profession?..... Continues on pages 2-3

THE BATTLE WITH THE FLAMES On page 9

QUALITY On page 12

INSTAT FIGURES On page 10

ACCIDENT, THE RASH REPORTER SPEAKS On page 9