AND YET INNOCENT, AND YET IMPRISONED AND YET INNOCENT, AND YET IMPRISONED An emphatic refusal, the appeal of the member, of the convicted, the democratic defense of Berisha against the reactionary political winds. FISTIËS NANO.[?] There is no happiness; in this man, a long ordeal has worn on. He has won, as on other occasions until now, the battle and not the war. The justice system in Albania over the past four years and onward suffers from serious defects. For example, it keeps around 5,000 prisoners beyond legal limits in prison without a time limit. Fatos Nano, Albania’s first pluralist prime minister and the founder of the Socialist Party, is the first symbolic victim of a political and legal system that does not recognize the verdict of innocence. Since 30 July 1993, the Court of Cassation’s decision ordered the annulment of Fatos Nano’s sentence. But the prosecution and the court have kept him in prison. Delays, dragging things out, political pressure and the lack of legal will have turned the case into a harsh test for Albanian democracy. On Monday, in the appeals court, he will once again be face to face with a system that refuses to correct itself. His case is not merely personal; it is a test for the rule of law, for the separation of powers, and for the Albanian leadership’s ability to break away from political revenge. If declared innocence does not bring freedom, then imprisonment becomes a political act. And when politics enters the courtroom, justice leaves it in ruins. This final appeal serves not only Fatos Nano; it also gives Albanian institutions a chance to show that they can still respect the law.

ELECTION CAMPAIGN "COLD WINTER" FOR PD IN LIBRAOSHE - Local elections, Malsi, Shehu, Spahiu and Co. take the winners and the villagers' indifference with them - In one of the settings of the village, around 5–6 in the afternoon on Thursday, 20 May 1994, an electoral meeting was being held with the residents of this area, attended by the chairman of PD, Tritan Shehu, the candidate for deputy Spartak Malsi, the other candidate Ylli Spahiu, as well as other local figures. The meeting looked gloomy. The number of participants was small, the enthusiasm was weak, while the villagers' questions were direct. Roads, water, unemployment and unkept promises were discussed. The villagers listened more out of curiosity than conviction. An old man said that "we are no longer warmed by words." Another asked for explanations about taxes and aid. The candidates tried to keep an optimistic tone, but the cold reality of attendance could not be hidden. In the end, the meeting ended without any particular resonance, leaving the impression that PD is heading into the elections with less support than it claims.

Nardi[?] of the triple-party[?] of the pre-egg found around the capital issue, former Minister of Defense Safet Zhulali and Mr. Mayor of Tirana Sali Kelmendi have begun to undermine one another in a formal denunciation. In a public polemic over funds and responsibilities for works and equipment, the sides have exchanged accusations of mismanagement, procedural violations and political interference. The matter has been presented as an administrative conflict, but the language used and the timing of its outbreak make it clear that this is a political clash on the eve of the campaign. According to sources close to the municipality, the discrepancies are linked to the destination of the funds and the way procurement was handled. On the other hand, the former minister rejects any direct responsibility. Public opinion remains unclear, while the institutions provide no convincing explanations. (Continues on page 3)

- Prime Minister Meksi's discussion concerning mini-partisan and the prime minister Malsi and minister Serqeni - On Monday morning, before the government meeting began, a close meeting was held between Prime Minister Aleksandër Meksi and several ministers regarding the progress of reforms and the tensions of recent days. At the center of the discussion, according to sources, were disagreements over privatization, finances and the public positions of some cabinet members. The prime minister called for discipline and avoidance of contradictory statements. However, the meeting does not appear to have put an end to the disagreements. On the contrary, it made the lines of division and the uncertainty over how matters will proceed more visible.

10 people under arrest by the police. In an account of recent operations, the police announced that several warehouse and depot theft cases have been hit. According to the announcement, 10 people have been arrested and are being investigated for involvement in these activities. The police said that stolen goods and transport equipment have been seized in several areas. Investigations continue. (Continues on page 6)

These days, before the trial against former president Ramiz Alia begins, 2–3 right-wing activists have publicly thrown down the gauntlet to the former head of state. Instead of calming public opinion, their statements have increased suspicions that the process is being accompanied by political pressure. The defense emphasizes that the case must be dealt with solely on the basis of law and evidence. Lawyer Klemçhi Koçi warns that any public prejudice undermines the standards of a fair trial. (Continues on page 4)

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At the Court of Appeals, the evidentiary basis and his full innocence will be confirmed LAWYER SANKHARU DECLARES: (Continues on page 3)

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