Ex-Communists Get Death Penalty
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TIRANA, Albania — Five top officials of the former Communist regime were found guilty Friday of crimes against humanity. Three were sentenced to death, the first such sentences imposed on Albania’s former leadership.
But it was far from certain whether the sentences will ever be imposed.
The verdict came just two days before parliamentary elections in which the governing Democrats are fighting resurgent Socialists, the former Communists. The Democrats have in the past faced charges of pressuring the courts.
Defense attorney Fatmir Brakaj called the verdict a “totally political decision” and said he will appeal.
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