The prosecution’s manipulations cannot hide the political nature of the NANO trial It seems that the court and Mr. Bendo have taken it upon themselves to cover up the prosecution’s legal violations While awaiting the decision of the 30th, which the panel of judges must issue regarding the preliminary requests of the defense lawyers to declare the indictment invalid, to ask the prosecutor to remove from the investigative file several documents obtained unlawfully, and to send the case back to the preliminary investigation stage, it is necessary to make some clarifications. No lawyer, and as far as is known not even Mr. Maks Haxhia, has requested or ever intended to seek a postponement of the hearing on the claim that there was not enough time to become acquainted with the documents, as is wrongly reported in some press organs. What was requested was precisely the strict application of criminal procedure and respect for the right of defense. According to the lawyers, the indictment was built on successive procedural violations, on documents obtained outside legal rules, and on a political interpretation of the facts. These objections are not aimed at evading justice, but at restoring legal standards in a process that from the outset has aroused many public debates. In this framework, the defense has also raised the issue of the way evidence is handled, the disregard of deadlines, and the restriction of opportunities for an effective defense. For these reasons, it has asked that the court not simply become a stamp for the prosecutor’s actions. (Continues on page 4)

Aid scandal. Speaks from Tirana, Mahir I. Ambassador Karaduli Continues: To accuse me, proof is needed. The new prosecutor in place of the channels Above all, there is no direct political responsibility. Tirana. The Saturday report published in “Ambasadori Karaduli, që kërkon të falsifikohej dhe pronën e ambasadave...” includes reactions concerning the way aid has been handled and the sources that have supplied the media with inaccurate data. In his statements he rejects the accusations, calls them slander, and claims that anonymous sources have been used with the aim of damaging his image. (Continues on page 4)

The stronghold of politically fabricated accusations and revengeful actions by officials who ordered the arrest of journalists is being challenged - The logic of the new slanders shatters the logic of the court proceedings of the military units trained to obey the Party of hatred; the determination, courage, professionalism of our imprisoned comrades, and the exemplary solidarity of colleagues abroad are a great guarantee that dynamism will not stop the turmoil from being overcome - After the initial attacks and after public pressure on journalists, reactions have focused on the need to defend freedom of speech and to oppose political setups. This article argues that the proceedings brought against journalists are part of a political act of revenge and that Albanian justice is facing a fundamental test. According to the author, the solidarity of colleagues and the international response may help prevent these proceedings from becoming a precedent for suppressing free speech. (Continues on page 3)

Marlin Leka’s defense statement The convicted man challenges the charges and presents the defense arguments concerning the procedure, the evidence, and the handling of the case by the investigative and judicial authorities. (Continues on page 3)

The convicted man has denied the charges of violating [...] and has defended himself with legal arguments against the prosecution’s claims. He stressed that his actions were in line with his duty and that the process against him was influenced by political motives. (Continues on page 3)

ALL MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY ARE INFORMED THAT ON MONDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 1994, AT 10:00, THE MEETING OF THE GENERAL STEERING COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIALIST PARTY WILL TAKE PLACE.

Yesterday at 7:00 a.m., Ing. Agron Spiro, an employee of FSHH, passed away (accidentally). On behalf of FSHH, its chairman, Mr. Nestor Oseku, expresses sincere condolences to the family of the deceased. The family will issue the announcement and notice for the funeral ceremony. LIJAN A MANA (Continues on page 4)

NATIONAL LIBRARY TIRANA