On 23 February, “Koha Jonë”, “Intervista”, “Populli Po”, “Albania”, “Dita Informacion”, “AKS”, “Sport Ekspres”, “Politika”, “Sporti”, “Aleanca”, etc. must close Flagrant case—the executive branch places itself above the courts After many attempts in the struggle against the free and independent press, the Albanian state has reached an absurd and unscrupulous decision: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dylber Vrioni signed a letter on 7 February 1996, protocol number 203, ordering the director of the “Demokracia” printing house, Mr Fejzi Bozgo, not to print 14 daily or periodical press titles. The reason: the Tirana Court registered these press publications as magazines, when they should be listed as newspapers. How is it possible that all the judges in Tirana are irresponsible, and only one Finance Minister named Vrioni is in his right mind?! How is it possible that all the judges in Tirana do not know the law?! How is it possible Continued on page 4

Clashes between rival gangs At least two young people among all those arrested page 5

Decision on the former head of the Court of Cassation today Majko: “The trial accuses the Albanian state” page 2

Valentine’s Day, champagne and music pages 5–10

His testimony is being sought about the events in Shkodër during his time as prime minister The investigative team arrives at Bënça prison page 2

Rajf: Albanian figures are not cited by the Eurobarometer Brussels: Questions raised about A. Kocani’s poll Eurobarometer Director Karl Hans Rajf responds from Brussels: “They are not cited by the Eurobarometer. We did not deal with this matter at all. Consequently, the kind of figures we collect serve an entirely different purpose, and I cannot say whether they are true or not.” Elio Germano, an analyst of the European Union in Albania, commenting on the publication of the figures in the press, tells TVSH: “Yes, I too have followed the press and was somewhat surprised by the publication of the figures. Nevertheless, I want to confirm that, as far as the figures are concerned, they are exact, even if some people may or may not like that.” page 3

The Albanian electorate has the pleasure of seeing every day on TV who is mentally disturbed The PS reacts sharply to statements by the PD and the Presidency’s office page 3

Wave of changes hits the Shkodër court as well Although belated, intervention in Shkodër: tremors caused in the Albanian courts by the decisions of the High Council of Justice. The shock wave has struck one of the leaders of the district court, specifically its vice-president, Admir Fanxa. It is reported that he has been replaced by a judge of this court, Ardiana Bushati. A judge suspended from work page 7

A 27-year-old caught with marijuana produced in Albania 11 Albanian migrants intercepted in Puglia A swift operation by Puglia police has also resulted in the arrest of 11 Albanian migrants, who had just landed on the Italian coast by speedboat. Among those detained, a 27-year-old stood out; during a search, police discovered a considerable quantity of drugs on him. Following investigations and preliminary analyses, it emerged that the seized “goods” belonged to the soft-drug category and were marijuana, whose price can reach up to 2,000 dollars per kilogram. According to Italian anti-drug specialists, the seized quantity was produced in Albania and is usually consumed by inhaling it through cigarettes. The incident took place yesterday on the coast of Puglia, while the 27-year-old Albanian Arben K., who was travelling toward the other side of the Adriatic, was detained together with his 10 fellow passengers. In addition to the other information, it is understood that he was a regular immigrant and married to an Italian citizen. After the alert issued and the passage through the office of the Leçe prosecutor, Kotaldo Motta, on suspicion that a heroin-processing refinery existed in Albania, this is the first time that the seizure of marijuana produced in our country has been officially reported. Albania, from being a transit bridge for drugs from East to West, according to this latest announcement by the Italian authorities, now also appears to be a direct supplier of the neighbouring market with the prohibited goods. A. TOLI