HOT FILES UNCOVERED VLORË/ Mirela Mishgjoni is attacked with acid while on her way to court THE JUDGE, HOW SHE WAS ACCUSED OF RELEASING CRIMINALS The attack yesterday morning in Vlorë. The judge was dismissed in 2002 by the KLD for violations and abuses. She won compensation from Strasbourg. In 2008 she signed the release of those accused of murder and drug trafficking The news The judge of the First Instance Court in Vlorë, Mirela Mishgjoni, has fallen victim to an attack. The incident happened yesterday morning, at 09:00, when the 40-year-old left home and set off for work. As soon as she closed the door, she was faced with a person who threw acid at her. VLORË GRANIT SOKOLAJ On the stairs she noticed a man holding a plastic bottle, but it never even crossed her mind that there could be... ► continues on pages 2-3 In the photo: (left) Judge Mirela Mishgjoni during a hearing at the Vlorë Court (top) Facsimile of the Strasbourg Court decision

THE PERSECUTION OF THE PHARMACIST Dossier / The account by Dr. Bajram Çela. Mario Ashiku: The Sigurimi provocations VLORË ZENEPE LUKA In yesterday's issue we focused on the exclusive account of the well-known actor Mario Ashiku, who, while... ► Page 18-19

Editorial BY ETTORE SEQUI* Media freedom at the heart of the EU's values I myself was a journalist for three consecutive years when I was 20. I worked at a private radio and television station. And in fact, I felt like a journalist who was not free to say what I wanted, like many young and less young Albanian journalists. That is why I am particularly happy today to open this conference. Media freedom as a precondition for democracy is a settled issue: there is in fact no doubt about the absolute importance of a free media for a free society. No democracy without a free press. Freedom of expression and media pluralism are at the heart of the EU's values: and this must also be the case for candidate and potential candidate countries. The commitment of the EU Member States on this point is reflected both in writing and in practice. We firmly believe that freedom of speech, freedom of the press, has a dual aspect: freedom of thought and freedom of action. We need a free media, not only freedom of speech... ► continues on page 22

USA-EU: Albania, be careful with the elections ► Page 4

► Page 11 The chrome “boss” is caught, wanted for murder in Bulqizë

A1 REPORT! the origin of the news... A1 REPORT! the origin of the news...

► Page 10 The brother of the wounded man: How the masked men butchered him

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The Communists: Our condition for the coalition with Berisha ► Page 5 Communists: Our condition for the coalition with Berisha