VIOLENCE against journalists - Non-compliance with legality by PSSH FAJOS NAVO - Truly, and fortress “Zëri i popullit,” and its such clear decision over them, swift, keeps as a dangerous enemy of free speech. The policy of the opponents, of the violent government of the country. Its watchword throughout these years because of a policy of this character, by standards, is not hard to define as violence. Everything confirms it. There are the scandalous political and physical attacks that “Zëri i popullit,” the organ of PSSH, has faced. By order and in open disregard of legality, with people known to the state police and the prosecutor’s office, the newspaper’s car has been burned, it has been robbed, the chairman of the journalists’ association and its members have been threatened with death, the newsroom has been forcibly entered and the typewriters and computers taken away by force, and its journalists have for years been denounced with insults and abuse in public speeches by the President, etc. Nowhere does it say that a female journalist from “Zëri i popullit” was dragged and pulled through the streets and police stations and put in prison. The reason: the public denunciation in an article of the names of senior officials of the Ministry of the Interior. Did the dictatorship not ask: no one has ever done to a female journalist what these police officers did to this female journalist, mother of two children. There are fresh examples of the detention, arrest, and mistreatment of correspondents of “Zëri i popullit,” Behar Xhamaqi, Mentor Kikia. These are persecutions for the work they carried out as journalists. Nowhere does it say that a female journalist from “Zëri i popullit” was dragged and pulled through the streets and police stations and put in prison. The reason: the public denunciation in an article of the names of senior officials of the Ministry of the Interior. Did the dictatorship not ask: no one has ever done to a female journalist what these police officers did to this female journalist, mother of two children. These become part of the same campaign of constant pressure and threats against freedom of the press and thought, against “Zëri i popullit,” as the voice of the opposition. At the same time, whoever raises their voice against these facts faces the silence of the institutions, with justifications and with indifference. Goodbye, free!

- Who is the wax doll of the pan-socialists in valuing the independence of the courts? - - To drag the government and justice into action from Europe’s side - At the top, one can think of the inconceivable, having concentrated for so long and in so many ways by this deranged institution, the academic of governance. Apart from the straw-sucking perit, it is evident that it is this government which observes the independence of justice, and with it the same justice and opponents it has placed in a special center. Indeed, if it were possible for this too to speak, how much and how obviously true that law proves itself. It is enough to recall the signatures of German specialists and the explicitness with which they define it as undemocratic. The President of the Court of Cassation, Mr. Zef Brozi, once again interrupts his activity in support of the press.

- Statement by the Association of Professional Journalists - The Association of Professional Journalists of Albania, through this statement, protests against the arbitrary detention of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Zëri i Popullit,” Mr. Paskal Milo. This detention constitutes a serious act against press freedom and expresses a climate of pressure and intimidation against independent and opposition journalists. The Association demands the immediate release of Mr. Milo, respect for constitutional rights, and an investigation into the conduct of the police authorities. It calls on state institutions and international organizations to react in defense of freedom of expression and the press in Albania. (continued on page 2)

Scandalous facts about Blerim Çela and his house The weapons executor (shells) Shkëlqim Dilo had been a high-ranking official of the security forces in the Berat district. But with the сменa of the government of this city? Zi? control was strengthened by means of this force and by order of the police. Since 17.10.94, as I have been told, armed men entered the house without a search warrant and exerted pressure on family members. Threats, slander, and public insults have continued. The dwelling has been kept under constant surveillance. (continued on page 2)

Honorable deputies These days we are addressing you regarding the removal of two judges in the high judicial institution. This has been done in violation of the law and parliamentary procedures. We believe that in a democratic state no one should exert pressure on courts and judges. Parliament must defend the independence of justice and not become an instrument of the executive power. If today we remain silent about this case, tomorrow it will be too late for the rule of law. (continued on page 2)

- Declaration of the Helsinki Conference - The reactions from various offices have made the issue of the independence of the judiciary one of the most acute problems. Violation of the constitution, arbitrary appointments and dismissals, as well as interference by political power in court decisions, constitute a serious threat to the rule of law. The Helsinki Conference expresses its concern and calls on the Albanian authorities to respect democratic standards and human rights. (continued on page 2)

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The weapons executors (shells) Shkëlqim Dilo had been a high-ranking official of the security forces in the Berat district. But with the change of government in the other city, he became an instrument of pressure against Blerim Çela’s family. Arbitrary forms of inspection, intimidation, and fear have been used. Residents of the neighborhood have witnessed unauthorized entries and armed presence near the house. The case requires a full investigation and punishment of those responsible.