Albania Approves Human Rights Group
Albania’s first independent human rights group, the Forum for the Defense of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, was granted legal status by Justice Minister Enver Halili after he met its leaders Saturday, the state news agency ATA reported.
Forum Chairman Arben Puto, a 66-year-old law professor, says his group will press for the release of all political prisoners and monitor legal procedures in Albania.
The group, founded by leading intellectuals last month, is the fourth independent body to be officially recognized since the Communists introduced democratic reforms in December. Unlike the other three groups, it is not a political party.
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