The protests are not stopped even by police terror and propaganda terror. The Socialists are convinced: DEMOCRACY WILL WIN What is the end of the rule of the extremist political clientele with its police is the organized protest of the left and democratic forces against the grave economic and socio-political situation that has befallen the country. This protest has taken on broad proportions and is closely linked to the decline of the political authority of the PDS. In the USA, in recent times, harsh positions have also been expressed against the policy of PDS president Berisha, as well as against the grave economic situation brought about by his rule. Articles on this are being published in the Western press. An English newspaper recently emphasized that “the Albanian TV and press remind someone visiting Albania for the first time of Romanian television before the overthrow of Ceaușescu.” In the south of the country, protests continue strongly. Italian and Greek newspapers are also writing yesterday about the serious material situation and the impact of the protest. Residents of various areas, as well as friends of Albania and representatives of the international press, have addressed petitions to President Berisha and various European structures to help Albania emerge from this grave situation. Petitions have also been sent to Greek TV and to “Rai Tre” with texts calling the PDS policy anti-Albanian and demanding the government’s removal. The newspaper “Republika” of 3.8.93 writes that “while demonstrations continue in the cities, in Berat hundreds of intellectuals and artists sent a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations. North Albania has not remained outside the aggravated political situation either, where PDS power has become even more concentrated. It is enough to give two examples: A young man from the city of Burrel stated that “both in the south and in the north people are dissatisfied and the use of police against Socialists, PS activists and sympathizers, as well as against former property owners and the politically persecuted, is becoming ever more excessive. He has particularly accused the human-rights organizations of silence.” The PDS chairman in Burrel himself had declared that he would kill the Socialists with his own hands. [ ? ] The second example is that of representatives of women from the north, who, in a meeting with Mrs. Tefta Cami, a member of the leadership of the PS, said they were suffering greatly under the policy pursued by the PD. They had never voted for communism, but they had never experienced such confusion, poverty, and lack of freedom. “You, the politicians of the PS, since you spoke with such sincerity about the difficulties, seemed to us as if you had removed a thorn from our hearts,” said one MPS leader. [ ? ]

In the environment of endless concern. “Citizens, this is a dirty instrument for achieving President Berisha’s political objectives. This public for poverty, destitution and the polarized governmental mechanism is replaced by something unclear, by a purpose aimed at denigrating the opposition. As for the refusal and the lack of news, RTV has shown that against us it spreads one-sided and unprofessional propaganda”. [ ? ] TV has not been, and is not, in the service of the public interest. It persistently follows a one-sided political course, with the aim of using it in the service of official policy. This orientation has brought about the distortion of reality, the concealment of the truth, the avoidance of differing opinions and the insulting treatment of the opposition. [ ? ] Instead of informing impartially, RTV has turned into a propaganda platform. It covers citizens’ protests with silence, minimizes the grave social situation and presents a distorted Albania. These positions not only damage professional ethics, but further increase the political and social tension in the country. [ ? ]

Parents and young people, hundreds of intellectuals from the city of Tirana, as well as people of different ages, have protested against the grave economic and political situation and against the violence used against citizens. According to information received by the editorial office, during Monday and yesterday peaceful rallies and demonstrations were held in the center of Tirana and in various neighborhoods of the city. The protesters demanded real pluralism, respect for human rights and the government’s removal. Slogans against poverty, unemployment and police terror were written on placards. [ ? ]

(continued on page 2) Cut off Before the center had even included the permission for rallies in its plan. [ ? ] A complaint for 6:00 p.m. had been submitted by the Socialist Party protesters of the Tirana district to the Tirana district authorities, and under the pretext that it would examine the activity of the municipal council, the prefect forced the protest to take place at 4:00 p.m. At the time set, from 3:00 p.m., Kavaja Street was already filled with people. Among the groups could be seen peasants, workers, women, boys and girls. [ ? ]

Police violence in Shën Shkozë of Shkodër Police forces of the Shkodër district attacked young people, children and women who had come out to protest, using rubber batons and hard objects. According to witnesses, the event took place on Monday afternoon in the Shënkoll neighborhood, where citizens had gathered to protest against unemployment, the shortage of bread and rising prices. The police intervened violently, dispersed the crowd and escorted several protesters to the police station. Residents declare that among those detained there are also minors. [ ? ]

Who can be trusted? (continued on page 3) What is described there, for that time, one may say that corruption has taken root in our country, is not only bitter but also true. Various citizens complain about bribes, violations of the law and unfair decisions in the administration. The case of Elbasan is presented as a case in point of this situation, where citizens no longer know whom to trust: the institutions, officials or intermediaries. [ ? ]

With strong democratic actions we say NO to revanchism (continued on page 2) Officials from Mezhgora, the judicial Sumë, [ ? ] ... [text partly illegible] These repressive measures, arbitrary punishments and pressure on citizens cannot stop the democratic reaction of the people. In many areas the determination is appearing to say no to revanchism and to defend democratic freedoms. [ ? ]

Like in the time of Xhafer Deva Letter of 28 August 1943 [ ? ] ... [text partly illegible] the article makes historical comparisons with repressive periods and raises accusations of the return of violent political practices. [ ? ]