A reply to the newspaper «Zëri i Popullit» regarding the article «A quarrel has broken out between Azem Hajdari and Nikollë Lesi over the platform of the newspaper «Koha Jonë». A few days ago, on the front page of the newspaper ZP, we read a note that was part comment, part news item, part article, and which concerned a member of the editorial staff and publishing board of the newspaper «Koha Jonë». It was certainly upsetting from the outset. There were many reasons for our dismay. One reason was that we immediately felt that the newspaper ZP was attacking us unjustly, and in our own newspaper; we can regard that piece as nothing other than an attack. Another reason was that the author of the article in ZP once again behaved not like a journalist, but like someone who had made it his purpose to sow tangled divisions and splits among us. And one of the reasons that upset us most was the pity we felt for our colleagues at ZP. Let us dwell on this point for a moment: why did we feel sorry for our colleagues? First, we read their unjust and completely unexpected attack on us as a malicious opinion of theirs, because that was the only way it could be read. According to that ZP note, it appeared that the 45-year-old newspaper ZP had been shaken for a moment when it learned that a two-year-old newspaper such as «Koha Jonë» was rebellious because it had joined the initiators of democratic processes in Albania, etc. We know that for a long time the opinion has been circulating here and there that «Koha Jonë» serves the socialists and communist-socialists. This opinion has undoubtedly been spread by those who neither respect nor welcome opposition views. Opinions and views may spread as much as they like, but we regret that you, our colleagues, believed this and accepted it as entirely true. And this led you one day to the idea that «Koha Jonë» was supposedly an appendage of ZP, and that you could behave as you pleased, advising it whom to cooperate with, whom to keep company with, etc. This is arbitrary, and we believe you understand that. The newspaper «Koha Jonë» is an independent newspaper and serves only the truth, not any particular political force. Still less does it serve the former communist forces or today’s socialist ones. Second, we regret the barrenness you have cultivated within yourselves toward people with the most human qualities, such as gratitude and respect for the good and noble things in social life. You know that some time ago our newspaper was in great difficulty in the face of the political authorities. We also recognize the support you gave us at that time. But neither we nor the public at large can forget the action of our three friends: MP Azem Hajdari, the well-known lawyer Spartak Ngjela, and journalist Frrok Çupi, who, disregarding the risks and difficulties, committed themselves wholeheartedly to defending the newspaper and the very principles of a free press. Our difficult situation has now passed, and we thank everyone who stood by us. But first of all, we thank these three friends of ours, who will always be there for us. Meanwhile, with the emptiness of ingratitude in your hearts, you attack and prejudge them, claiming that they have come to take our newspaper away from us. You were wrong, and you will be wrong every time you prejudge in this way. Never prejudge what is good, because by doing so you have given the (Continued on page 2)

— BLERIM ÇELA SUFFERS A FIASCO FOR THE THIRD TIME — In letter number 114 from the Lezhë District Prosecutor’s Office, sent to the editorial office of the newspaper «Koha Jonë» and concerning the complaint filed by the State Audit against N. Lesi for abuse of office, it says: «... THE ABOVE, BASED ON ARTICLE 12 OF THE LAW “ON THE ORGANIZATION OF JUSTICE” AND ARTICLES 98/1 AND 71/7 OF THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE: I DECIDED 1 — Not to approve the bill of indictment against the defendant Nikollë Lesi. 2 — To dismiss criminal case No. 217 against the defendant Nikollë Lesi for lack of the elements of a criminal offense. 3 — The interested parties are to be notified of the decision to dismiss the criminal case. DEPUTY LEZHË DISTRICT PROSECUTOR DED PALI (signature)»

As is known to our public, the editor-in-chief of the newspaper «Koha Jonë», Aleksandër Frangaj, was released from 35 days of house arrest by court order on April 30. However, immediately after his release, the General Prosecutor’s Office asked the Court of Appeal in Shkodër to reopen the Frangaj case. This time Aleksandër Frangaj is accused of disclosing a state secret, under Article 122 of the Criminal Code. To make it easier for readers to understand this article from the E. Hoxha era, we are publishing it in full, so that everyone may judge for themselves: CRIMES RELATED TO THE DEFENSE OF THE PEOPLE’S SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Article 122 Disclosure of a state secret The disclosure of information constituting a state secret by persons entrusted with such information, or who by virtue of their duties could have obtained such information, is punishable by: imprisonment for up to ten years. In connection with this article, our journalist Plator Nesturi has conducted several interviews, which you will read on page 3. A SIMULTANEOUS REPLY TO «ZP» AND «RD» It has long been the aim of the newspaper «Koha Jonë» not to become anyone’s accomplice or victim Last week, rumors spread in the socialist press, represented by ZP, and then the ever-present «RD» joined the chorus, claiming that a quarrel had broken out at the newspaper «KOHA JONË» over its platform; that Azem Hajdari, pushed by President Berisha, was «stealing» the newspaper; that fists had flown (!); that the staff had split into two camps, etc., etc. Regarding what I have said—or, more accurately, what others have written (someone in a hurry and another brought in to cause divisions at «Koha Jonë»)—I hereby clarify publicly: 1- Its staff’s internal problems concern only the newspaper itself, that is, the editorial office. 2- Even if there have been debates, they have been entirely within the nature of an independent newspaper, where everyone’s opinion shou-(Continued on page 4)