EXTERNALAI Index: EUR 11/19/96

This is a limited action. Please restrict appeals to 10 per section.

12 September 1996

Further information (4) on UA 50/96 (EUR 11/03/96, 28 February 1996) and follow-up (AI Index EUR 11/04/96, 11 March; EUR 11/07/96, 21 March; EUR 11/11/96, 9 May) - Possible Prisoners of Conscience

ALBANIA(1)Sulejman Rrahman Mekollari, Dilaver Ibrahim Dauti, Lirim Servet Veliu, and Gani Koro

(2)Elvira Shapllo (f), Vladimir Qiraiaqi, Jani Bardho and Thomas Ngjelo

(3)Sami Meta, Kristaq Mosko, Timoshenko Pekmezi and Tare Isufi

The trial of Sami Meta and his co-defendants, which began on 30 July 1996, is reaching its final stages. It was reported on 10 September 1996 that the prosecutor in the case has called for Sami Meta and co-defendants, charged with "creating anti-constitutional parties and associations in collaboration," to be sentenced as follows: Sami Meta, three years; Kristaq Mosko, one year; Timoshenko Pekmezi, three years; Tare Isufi, one year. The information so far available indicates that they have neither used nor advocated violence. If they are found guilty and the sentence is confirmed, Amnesty International will consider Sami Meta and his co-defendants to be prisoners of conscience.

Sulejman Rrahman Mekollari and Lirim Servet Veliu are currently serving their prison sentences. Amnesty International considers them to be prisoners of conscience, and is campaigning for their immediate and unconditional release through other channels. Please do not send any more Urgent Action appeals on their behalf.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please send telegrams/telexes/faxes/express/ airmail letters in Italian, English, French or in your own language:

- noting that the court will soon deliver a verdict in the trial of Sami Meta, Kristaq Mosko, Timoshenko Pekmezi and Tare Isufi;

- stating that Amnesty International is well aware of the extremely severe human rights violations committed in Albania under past communist rule;

- noting, however, that on 1 August 1996 Albania ratified the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms which guarantees freedom of expression and association;

- pointing out that these guarantees cannot be applied selectively, but must also be granted to those whose views may be deeply repugnant to the authorities;

- noting that the available information suggests that Sami Meta, Kristaq Mosko, Timoshenko Pekmezi and Tare Isufi did not advocate violence;

- stating that if this is the case Amnesty International would consider them to be prisoners of conscience and urging therefore that the authorities do everything possible to ensure that they be released immediately and that the charges against them be dropped.

APPEALS TO:

President of Albania

Dr Sali Berisha

Presidenti i Republikës së Shqiperisë

Zyra e Presidencës, Tirana

Republic of Albania

Fax: +355 42 33761 or +355 42 28420 (tel/fax)

Telegrams: President Berisha, Tirana, Albania

Salutation: Dear President

Minister of Justice

Mr Kristofor Peçi

Ministër i Drejtësisë,Tirana

Tel/Fax: +355 42 28359 (if voice, ask for fax)

Telegrams: Mr Peçi Ministria i Drejtësisë, Tirana, Albania

Salutation: Dear Minister

COPIES TO:

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Mr Tritan Shehu

Ministër i Punëve të Jashtme, Tirana

Fax: +355 42 62084 or +355 42 62085

and to diplomatic representatives of Albania accredited to your country.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS IMMEDIATELY. Check with the International Secretariat, or your section office, if sending appeals after 24 October 1996.