The flames broke out as a result of a fault in the warehouse’s electrical system Everything that was in the warehouse was completely destroyed. As a result of the fire, a shed [?] with the production from all three shifts, plastic and wooden crates, etc. was also burned. There were no human casualties and the machinery was not damaged ON PAGE 4 The winter of protests is approaching

“... these masses reflect reasonable maturity at this time ...” The U.S. Embassy in Tirana denies the pro-government press reports USA: The embassy has not opened “...these masses reflect reasonable maturity at this time...” Azem’s heir is born ON PAGE 3

The Constitution, an encouragement to political repression At least the socialists understand the new constitution better than the Albanian people do. For the socialist leaders, the issue of the constitution is turning into an instrument of power. Bersori illustrated with his own sentence that the opposition must now determine “its way of behaving and must adapt to the rules of the game.” At the same time, deputy B. Ceka has been promoting the idea that the constitution is “the fundamental law of the state and society.” State TV serves this whole propaganda drive with the argument that “admirable standards for human rights have been provided for in the constitution,” apparently implying that the problem is that Albanians have still not understood this. On the contrary, the constitution is clear and understandable to everyone. It does indeed guarantee a series of fundamental rights and freedoms for the individual, but it is equally true that it legitimizes and strengthens the absolute power of the state over the citizen. It gives the state tools it previously lacked to use lawful repression against political opponents. Some 25 or more constitutional articles leave broad room for interpretation by the government and administration to restrict public freedoms. This constitution gives the government a major political advantage over the opposition, which now faces a power that not only controls the administration, the police and television, but can now also rely on a new legal framework. In this sense, the constitution is not a guarantee of pluralism, but a step toward the legalization of political repression. It can be used to justify bans on assemblies, restrictions on the press, arbitrary interpretations of public order and interference in the rights of the opposition. This becomes even more obvious in the current political climate, where power has repeatedly shown a tendency toward concentration and disregard for democratic standards.

Young people from Vlora in a powerful protest. Crime and violence that have taken over the city can no longer be tolerated Young people from Vlora in a powerful protest. Crime and violence that have taken over the city can no longer be tolerated ON PAGE 2 Yesterday, the law faculty abandoned by students

The editorial staff of RD newspaper is pleased to warmly congratulate the family of the leader of the students of freedom (Azem Hajdari’s child on the birth of his son) Long live the little brother of freedom and of the borders! Azem’s heir is born The Hajdari family grows with a boy The editorial staff of RD newspaper is pleased to warmly congratulate the family of the leader of the students of freedom (Azem Hajdari’s child on the birth of his son) Long live the little brother of freedom and of the borders!

The government protects the killers of Azem Hajdari Today, 81 days since the murder of the leader of December ON PAGE 7

The movement of Journalists of Albania must be reorganized The memorandum of Mero Baze causes controversy

Today we have filled today [?] with sorrow and sadness, on the 81st day since the murder of Azem Hajdari. From that day until today, the government has behaved in the most irresponsible manner toward clarifying this murder. Instead of striking at the organizers and executors, the authorities have tried to hide the traces, relativize the event, and manipulate public opinion. This behavior only strengthens the conviction that the government not only did not want, but was not even interested in, establishing justice. In these 81 days, Albanian society has seen how institutions have been put at the service of protecting the guilty. Silence, delay and propaganda have been the official response to one of the gravest political crimes of the Albanian transition. The government protects the killers of Azem Hajdari not only through inaction, but also through the climate of impunity it has created. This is an open wound for Albanian democracy and proof that the state does not function as a guarantee of law, but as a shelter for narrow political interests.

The students of ’98 are disappointed just like the students of ’90 ON PAGE 3

The criminalized government transfers violence against the opposition ON PAGE 4

The state televisio[n], insti- [tution] of media prostitution born with Playboys ON PAGE 8

The Italian press office in Kosu- lore in Tirana will be open on Monday 7 December 1998 to the public from 9.30 - 12.00

Tele Bingo National 6 December A car An apartment On a tourist trip