EXCLUSIVE / The testimonies before prosecutors of Saimir Tahiri and Arben Çuko are revealed: How the demonstration was organized Tahiri: I saw the guard soldiers firing weapons. The account of protester Sokrat Gode from Berat: How I ended up at the protest. I was wounded in the armpit, for several days I kept changing hospital rooms, I was afraid they might kill us The news Two PS deputies, in their testimonies before prosecutors of the Tirana Prosecutor's Office, described details of the organization of the January 21 demonstration, how it degenerated into violence, who the perpetrators of the killings and injuries among the protesters were, and what their role and that of Chairman Rama had been. TIRANA ARBEN RROZHANI Two of the long list of deputies and opposition representatives who took part in organizing the January 21, 2011 demonstration on the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard and who were accused by the government of a “coup against the state” testified about their role in the organization and continuation of the protest. PS deputies Saimir Tahiri and Arben Çuko, according to the testimonies given before Tirana prosecutors and held by “Shqiptarja.com”, accused the police and the Republic Guard of provoking the demonstrators and later of being responsible for the killings and injuries that occurred. Tahiri and Çuko said in their testimonies that they, other deputies and PS chairman Edi Rama himself called on the demonstrators to leave before the situation escalated into violence and killings. Prosecutor: On 21.01.2011 a gathering was held by the Socialist Party, can you tell us what position you had in this gathering and where you stood during its development? continues on page 2

Today is the 20th anniversary, Zela and Veliaj speak Pages 4-5 Re:fressh, Rama: Majko and Meta, two sides of the same coin. The LSI leader: They didn't invite me BY JAKIN MARENA

BLOG / Periferi BY ALBA MALLTEZI We are the oddity... Many are surprised by Prime Minister Berisha's movements in recent days, clearly in the company and friendship of former deputy prime minister and LSI leader Ilir Meta. Some comment on this as a “departure from the prime minister's nature,” since he is not used to skipping dinners at the homes of his political partners. The comments and surprise are somewhat belated, because the chairman of the Democratic Party and our prime minister has long since departed from his former nature; he changed when Albanians gave him the chance to be “married” for a second time at the head of the country in 2005, something he perfected with a third opportunity in 2009. And Berisha's biggest change after 2005 is that he gained elasticity. He has forgiven with extraordinary skill the stiffness and roughness of previous years and changed tactics with the sole aim he has so far achieved very well: holding on to power. Since in Albania, from both main political fronts, we do not have many people who adore honesty, purity and the law, his followers owe him many thanks. The words once spoken by the Berati socialist to his own people: “Please, just don't quarrel” (for fear that power might go to the PD), also rise from the hearts of many PD and LSI sympathizers: “Do anything, just to keep power.” So Berisha is doing what his supporters want him to do: save Meta, to save the Government and keep power. Berisha's moves + Lulzim Basha, at Meta's side – in... continues on page 5

SERBIAN BLOCKADE Police: We detained 146 people. Opposition deputies: Thaçi was wrong with the protesters SERBIAN BLOCKADE Police: They detained 146 people. Opposition deputies: Thaçi was wrong with the protesters The deputies are arrested, Vetëvendosje wins KOSOVO The Kosovo police forces, after failing to prevent the “Vetëvendosje” protest against the entry of Serbian trucks into Kosovo, violently dispersed the organized gatherings, beating and arresting dozens of activists... continues on page 10

Pages 13-20 Lasgushi as a plagiarist? The facts of Shuteriqi emerge

Page 4 Berisha-Meta-Basha, together at the Rogner, two days before the trial

Page 5 The municipalities lost by PS, the new candidates running emerge

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