FATOS NANO IN THE SPOTLIGHT OF POLITICAL CRIME
"The arrest and imprisonment of Fatos Nano is a political issue"
Tomorrow you will read
"The Nano case" in the attention of International Forums
The decision of the Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva.
In support of Fatos Nano, it is stated that on 5 February 1994, the period of Fatos Nano’s pre-trial detention expired. According to Article 246 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the period of pre-trial detention must be counted from the moment of arrest. Then Fatos Nano should have been released on 22 December 1993. But in an unprecedented act, the Prosecutor General and the Tirana Court, in the name of the law, carried out an unlawful act, counting the period of Fatos Nano’s pre-trial detention from 30 July 1993, when the first charge was communicated to him, and not from 30 July 1992, when he was arrested.
In the decision of the Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva, it is stated: "At least until 22 December 1992 he was held under arrest without any criminal charge existing against him."
The Tirana Court, by decision no. 8 dated 18 January 1994, ordered the continuation of Fatos Nano’s pre-trial detention for another 3 months, on the absurd pretext, incompatible with any legal norm, that the period of pre-trial detention must be calculated not from the date of arrest, but from the moment the charge is brought. This action has created a dangerous precedent against freedom and human rights.
In our view, the case of Fatos Nano is not a criminal case, but a political one, linked to the harsh clashes of the transition and to the aim of striking at the Socialist opposition.
(Continued on page 2)
Bashkim Gazidede in the footsteps of Safet Zhulali
- It seems SHIK employees read only "Zëri i Popullit"
On 3 February 1994, the daily military organ of the Ministry of Defence, "Luftëtari", writes that "today our operative in Skrapar has placed under monitoring and observation an employee of Bashkim Gazidede in Berat". In addition, it is claimed that the leaders and editors of our newspaper have been placed under surveillance.
But who is this person? In what lawful state do we live? Is this a new practice of political surveillance against the opposition press? Instead of dealing with the protection of constitutional order, SHIK seems to be busy reading newspapers and following journalists.
These are facts that recall methods from the past and that add to the concern about freedom of the press and the political climate in the country.
Correspondent of "Zëri i Popullit".
FATOS NANO WILL NOT BE CONDEMNED
- So far no document proves his guilt" But the court will not be accused for this trial...
"The fact that Fatos Nano is kept in prison for so long shows that they have no facts"
MINGJUEL ANGEL MARTINEZ, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Within the framework of the visit he made to our country, Mr. Migjul Angel Martinez gave this interview to our newspaper. In this interview, he states that the case of Fatos Nano is political, that there are no facts to convict him, that many Albanians are imprisoned without trial, that this is contrary to European standards, and that Albania must respect human rights.
He also values the transition process in Albania, but expresses concern about the functioning of institutions, the state of the prisons, and the lack of procedural guarantees.
(Continued on page 5)
"The arrest of journalists does not save any rabbit in a good solution"
- down with Ramiz Alia president of the RESCB-
1.1.1994.
Numerous police pieces of evidence were made public yesterday. Some of them concerned statements by several citizens, who said they had seen police movement around the newspaper offices. According to various sources, the police actions have raised suspicions that the aim was more intimidation than a proper legal investigation.
(Continued on page 3)
Who does such a tactic serve?
Some, it seems, are trying to create a tense and conflict-ridden climate in Albanian political life. By targeting our newspaper and exerting pressure on its leaders, they aim to intimidate the opposition voice and divert attention from the country’s real problems.
In the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, at yesterday’s meeting, the situation created after the arrests and the pressure on the press was discussed. It was emphasized that these actions seriously violate democratic standards and that any attempt to silence the free voice will fail.
Instead of dealing with poverty, unemployment, corruption, and the crisis of institutions, government officials are using pressure tactics to silence criticism.
(Continued on page 2)
The National Historical Museum is robbed in the center of Tirana
Numerous police forces went late at night in front of the National Historical Museum. It is not yet known what was stolen, but the act has caused great concern since it concerns an institution of particular national importance. Initial sources said the inspection lasted until the early hours of the morning.
Correspondent of "Zëri i Popullit".
Full solidarity with our imprisoned colleagues
Notices, letters, phone calls, as well as petitions in defense of the newspaper "KOHA JONE" have been approved, expressing full solidarity with our imprisoned colleagues from the newspaper "KOHA JONE":
IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALB- KASNDER FRANGAJ AND MAR- TIN LEKES.
NATIONAL LIBRARY
