Public letter from the chairman of the PSSH, Fatos Nano, addressed to senior representatives of the diplomatic corps in the Republic of Albania FATOS NANO: “I consider myself and declare myself a political and conscience prisoner” Dear ladies and gentlemen, It is understandable that the trial against me, as part of the trial against two former senior leaders of the Albanian state, sentenced to 12 and 9 years’ imprisonment, has attracted and continues to attract the attention of international public opinion. Renowned political and legal observers and analysts have rightly considered and continue to consider this process a “test” that the Albanian government must pass in respecting democratic and European standards in the trial of political opponents and in respecting the rule of law. Since my 12-year prison sentence, which became known to the public through the media, was handed down, allow me to briefly present some facts, arguments, and positions of mine regarding this process, which I believe deserve your attention, not in order to complain, but to inform you better about the real causes of my imprisonment. 1. The court decision of 30 July 1993, both in formal-procedural terms and in material-legal terms, is deeply unsupported by evidence and politically motivated. Contrary to the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the court was unable to prove any causal link or personal guilt between me and the criminal offenses attributed. The sentence was built on assumptions, political interpretations, and collective responsibility. 2. The main aim of this process has been the political compromise of the Albanian opposition, especially the Socialist Party of Albania, as the main opposition force in the country. By targeting its chairman, the goal is to intimidate the membership, obstruct the opposition role, and create an atmosphere of fear and pressure against any critical stance toward power. 3. During the investigation and trial, my fundamental rights as the accused were severely violated: the right to effective defense, to impartial examination, to the presumption of innocence, and to humane treatment. The propaganda climate created by state organs and media close to power preceded the decision and predetermined its conclusions. 4. In my conviction, this process is not an individual case, but part of a broader strategy to delegitimize the country’s recent past, criminalize political opponents, and replace democratic competition with politically motivated criminal prosecution. 5. I consider myself and declare myself a political and conscience prisoner. This does not mean that I am asking for privileges, but that I am asking for respect for the universal norms of justice that apply to every citizen in a democratic state. 6. I address you with the confidence that the institutions and representations you represent will follow developments in Albania objectively and responsibly and will contribute to ensuring that democratic standards and human rights are not used merely as political rhetoric, but are genuinely implemented. With the highest consideration Chairman of the PSSH Deputy of the People's Assembly FATOS NANO

The US Embassy yesterday submitted a protest note to the Albanian government over the continuation of the promissory note affair, while sources close to the State Bank said that another promissory note worth 1.2 million dollars has been discovered, bearing the signature of Governor Ilir Hoxha. According to these sources, the document is linked to transfers carried out in recent years and is being verified by the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the opposition has described the financial scandal as proof of the failure of economic management and has called for full transparency.

The “justice” police do not put the murderers on trial, but the protesters against this horrific act (Continues on page 2) Today at half past nine, in the city of Laç, where an innocent boy was killed instead of the one who should have been killed, the trial of 7 young men and one girl from this city will take place. Of course, justice will have the final word. But what everyone is seeing today concerns the fact that this “justice”, which is rushing to judge the protesters, has still not brought before the dock the perpetrators of the crime that shocked the city. The residents of Laç experienced this event with anger and considered it unacceptable that the victim be forgotten while the young people who protested are presented as guilty. Complaint from the people

From hundreds of letters that the prime minister’s office informs about the follies of all kinds of policemen who in many cases assume the right of the executioner while disregarding the institution of which they have been employees

Complaint from the people After staying away from his office for months on end, the chairman of the Housing Privatization Commission finally appeared before the citizens. According to the published complaint, many families have been left without an answer and the procedures have been dragged out in an unjustifiable manner. (continues on page 4)

A little anecdote from these days Thank you... A reasonable proposal by RD (continues on page 4)