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Koha Jonë

E Premte 18 Dhjetor 1998

The television bastard

So many people are waiting for some Çupo to happen. He may appear at any moment, perhaps with a smiling face hiding savagery or peace. “Çupos are dangerous,” the entire KOHA staff is emphasizing, having seen plenty like him on television. They may be prepared even with weapons, but not with arguments. However much life has changed, the so-called newest thing on television is still the hunting down of the free person. It seems as if the old script of violence returns to the screen every time someone refuses to become part of their game. There have always been all kinds of hosts and producers on television. There have also been those who cannot tolerate any voice except their own. There are those who turn studios into party barracks and those who turn them into extortion markets. In this mess, the free person becomes an obstacle. That is where hatred toward the journalist is born, toward the commentator, toward anyone who does not obey. So the question arises: who protects these people? Who protects television from corruption? Who protects the public from daily humiliation? And is it still possible for the screen to remain a place of free speech? (continued on page 3)
Çupo

An earthquake under the mud

Albanian-Italian relations have entered a new phase. They are no longer measured simply by visits, statements or ceremonial receptions. Now at the center is the real crisis of trust, one born of trafficking, suspicious politics and the dark interests that have created mud over Albania’s name. In this sense, every move by Rome and Tirana is read with particular care. Public opinion expects explanations, but above all it expects punishment for those who have damaged relations between the two countries. (continued on page 3)
Frok Çupi Romë Tiranë Shqipëri

The prosecutor’s office insists: We absolutely want Berisha

Today is the day of the September 14 investigation Today, when the clock will show 09:00, Sali Berisha will appear for four hours in the prosecutor’s office. The decision and the accusation, on the other hand, are linked to the key statements from the moment the opposition leader issued the call for a demonstration, its organization and the bloody outcome of September 14. In between, according to investigation sources, there are also a series of episodes that are becoming the subject of prosecutors’ questions. These are public statements, the role in escalating the situation, and his stance during the days of the crisis. According to the prosecutor’s office, Berisha’s appearance is necessary to clarify part of the chain of events. Meanwhile, his lawyers have suggested that the process will be accompanied by procedural debates. (continued on pages 7-9)
Sali Berisha