This is shown by the fierce struggle of political power against the independence of the judiciary and the independent and opposition press — Violence against the journalists of Zëri is primitive folly - This is shown by the fierce struggle of political power against the independence of the judiciary and the independent and opposition press - Violence against the journalists of Zëri is primitive folly - Statement by the Steering Committee of FRESSH In the complex conditions of developments in Albania, because of the political crisis, polarization, the degradation of the state, the denial of freedoms and human rights, and the repression, violation and abuse of the opposition and the opposition press, a tendency has recently been verified to establish the rule of abolishing democratic freedoms, returning to monocentralism and to personalist authoritarianism with populist demagoguery. Albania is increasingly appearing as an isolated country, cut off from the democratic world, a country where institutions are being shaken, where the independence of the judiciary and press freedom are being undermined. The pressures exerted on the independent and opposition press represent a new offensive by political power against free thought and public debate. FRESSH considers physical and psychological violence against journalists and intellectuals engaged in defending the truth and the public interest unacceptable. The attacks on the editorial office of the newspaper "Zëri i Popullit" and on its journalists are a serious act, a primitive folly that shows the power’s inability to confront the free word. Attempts to subjugate the justice institutions, to intimidate judges and to obstruct the normal functioning of the rule-of-law state, distance Albania from Europe and from the democratic standards it seeks to achieve. The Steering Committee of FRESSH strongly condemns every action aimed at subjugating the press and the judiciary and calls on all young people, democrats and public opinion to react to these anti-democratic phenomena. Only respect for the rule of law, pluralism, civil freedoms and the independence of institutions can open the path for Albania toward European integration.

Note: BROZI warns: - Will we remain before the gates of Strasbourg? Public opinion was delayed by a statement from Brozi, which in essence is a sharp reaction to the situation created in Albania and to attempts to undermine the independence of justice. He stresses that the latest developments risk compromising the country’s democratic aspirations and weakening hopes for integration into Europe. Brozi points out that attacks on the institutions of justice, on the opposition and on the free press show an authoritarian tendency that is not compatible with European standards. If this path is continued, Albania may once again remain before the gates of Strasbourg, far from the structures where human rights and the rule of law are respected. (To be continued on page 2)

- The opposition wants Albania to obtain dignified membership No civilized country accepts the manipulation of institutions and the distortion of democratic standards as a route to integration. The opposition demands that Albania be represented with dignity, with credible institutions, free elections and full respect for human rights. The use of "false passports" is a clear metaphor for the power’s attempt to create a false democratic image before Europe. Such membership would be neither honest nor sustainable. (To be continued on page 2)

- Every procedure that the “Zëri” enterprise has gone through is explained This material explains the legal and administrative procedures related to the enterprise of the newspaper "Zëri i Popullit" and its institutional status. It is emphasized that any measure taken outside the law, without respecting the relevant procedures, is invalid and illegal. The article argues that all legal routes for registration, operation and administration have been followed, therefore any arbitrary action against the newspaper constitutes a violation of its rights. The defense of legality and of the press’s right to perform its public function is presented as a fundamental condition of democracy. (To be continued on page 5)

More than a day late, did the dollar burst? See what happened with a government offer that was canceled, according to its opponents, because of dark interests. The text deals with the behind-the-scenes of a government decision, the debates that took place and the positions of the relevant political actors. (To be continued on page 5)

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No. 183 dated 14.5.1992 REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Council of Ministers DECISION No. 183 dated 14.5.1992 THE DECISION ON THE RIGHTS TO IMMOVABLE PROPERTY VALBON AND THE OFFICE OF THE DEFNTI HOUSE 1992 OF THE COURT OF THE JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF SARANDA IS ANNULLED WITH DECIDES: To propose the removal of the tanarova and the komoja, the transfer of the imisarë [?]. QUESTIONS: 1. What is the location and cadastral reference of the object? 2. What object is being referred to? 3. What documentation proves ownership? 4. Who benefits from this decision? SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS ALEKSANDER MEXIXI