and uncle were members of the Democratic Party in his hometown of Fier, and his uncle contributed significant amounts of money to the party. In February 1995, Halo — who had been attending party meetings and demonstrations with his father and uncle since 1990 — formally joined the party. He continued attending party rallies at least once a week. He also drove trucks for his uncle's business and served as his personal driver.


8
From 1995 to 1997, the Democratic Party was in power and the demonstrations Halo attended were peaceful. But in June 1997, the Socialist Party was elected to power, and the Democrats began holding rallies to protest the Socialist victory. By 1998, Halo testified, baton-wielding government officials had begun coming to the Democratic rallies and breaking themup.


9
In 1998, Halo's uncle began to receive phone calls from Socialists asking him to drop his support for the Democrats and become a Socialist instead. Unidentified callers also called Halo's home at night and sought answers about what his uncle's political affiliations would be. Halo's father and uncle decided not to join the Socialists, but they talked to Halo about the possibility of switching his allegiance because he was the future of the family and they did not want him to have to suffer persecution. Halo rejected the idea of joining the Socialists and remained a Democrat.


10
In June 1998, several individuals wearing masks came to Halo's home. When his mother answered the door, they shoved her against a wall, entered the home, and grabbed Halo, telling his mother