Dashnor Kaloçi
Part thirteen
Memorie.al publishes the unknown story of Aleksandër Kondos, the Albanian weightlifting legend who lost his life at the age of 27 in tragic and still completely unexplained circumstances, during a car accident in Queens New York, USA, where he was placed as a political immigrant after fleeing Albania in May 1985, staying in Yugoslavia at the time, after the national team returned from the European Weightlifting Championships held in Poland in those days. The complete voluminous file of the former State Security in charge of Aleksandër Kondos, declassified by the Authority for Information of the files of the former State Security, where there are hundreds of pages belonging to the period from 1981 when the operational prosecution and surveillance of regularly against him by the secret services of the communist regime, until 1987, when that file was finally archived, after his tragic death.
In Tirana in the early ’80s, not only for many sports fans but also beyond the young people of the Albanian capital, a young man stood out and stood out, then at the age of 20, as for his portrait and physique , as well as for the appearance, with the clothes of foreign fashion, who in his arms carried the sports bag that he never took off from his shoulder and on the other side, a big radio-tape recorder, which he brought from abroad when going out with the national weightlifting team in international activity. He was Aleksandër Kondo, a member of the “Dinamo” weightlifting team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (where at that time he served as a senior soldier in the Republic Guard, also his father), and also of the national team, which at that time, thanks to the differentiated assessment and treatment given by the communist regime in power to some serious sports, had achieved high results in the international arena.
The name of Aleksandër Kondo as an athlete began to become more and more famous, especially after his high results achieved in 1984, in the Sports Palace “Partizani” of the capital, when he fixed the figures 200 kg. (in the style of pushing) electrifying thousands of sports fans, (that day more spectators were outside the sports palace than inside it), who under numerous applause, did not leave the square in front of the palace, without seeing that guy up close, who had amazed them with his results and performance. Since that day, Sander Kondo almost became a myth in Tirana and Albania of that time, as his results came ever higher, not only in national championships, but also in the international arena where he consistently had high results. .
But much more than this period of time when Sander Kondo, was at the peak of his career, his name became even more famous and began to be discussed throughout the country, at the end of May 1985, when during an international event in the framework of the European Weightlifting Championship that took place in Warsaw, Poland, (where he lifted 210 kg.), Kondo did not return to Albania, but together with his teammate, Xhelal Sukniqi from Shkodra, from Montenegro went to Belgrade, waiting to gain political asylum in the US.
The event of the escape of two Albanian athletes caused a great commotion not only because of the great name and fame that Aleksandër Kondo had at that time, but also because that event became the object of “quarrel” between Albania and Yugoslavia, as official Tirana at that time publicly accused (in the newspaper “Zeri i Popullit”), the Yugoslav authorities, saying that the two Albanian athletes had been abducted by the Yugoslav secret services (UDB) and demanded their return home.
But that claim of official Tirana had nothing real, as Kondo and Sukniqi denied it in the meeting that took place in Belgrade, between the representatives of the Albanian embassy and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of the Yugoslav side, where Sander Kondo, after cursing the communist regime of Enver Hoxha again and again, tried to hit the Albanian diplomat with an ashtray, insisting that he should return to Albania, where his family and the whole society were waiting for him.
After that, Sander Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi gained political asylum in the USA, where Sukniqi is still, while Kondo lost his life in a car accident on May 1, 1987, (always according to the official version of the communist regime of that time). ), and his remains were returned to Albania in 2003.
All these have already been known for years, as much has been written about Aleksandër Kondo as the legend of Albanian weightlifting and his father, Vangjel Kondo, has given several interviews in both print and visual media, and even made some television documentaries, for all his life and history, until the day he parted from this life. But again, the “Alexander Kondo case” has not yet been fully clarified, especially the part related to his tragic death which continues to remain shrouded in mystery, as well as the surveillance of him by the Security of The Albanian State and its segments since 1981, which was made public for the first time by the Authority for Information of the Former State Security Files, headed by Mrs. Gentjana Mara Sula, who in 2018, handed over the file to the Kondo family, or more precisely to his father, Vangjel Kondo.
In that file that Mr. Vangjel Kondo has trusted him exclusively for the publication of Memorie.al, the light is shed and it is known, the evaluation, the treatment and all the surveillance and persecution, which was done at that time by the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, one of the most voice of Albania, such as Aleksandër Kondo, who was well known in the international arena. Based on this fact, Memorie.al will publish the complete file in question (with the relevant facsimiles), in some issues of the dossier section.
Continued from the previous issue
Relations of the Operational Worker and the Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, regarding the position and conversations of Kondo and Sukniqi with the Albanian political fugitives in the USA
Taken from P.op. B.S.
Given by B.p. “6431”
Dated 20.12.1985
I N F O R M A T I O N
According to the fugitive ………………………………, it turns out those two weeks ago, the fugitives Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi coming came to live in the USA. , said that after a few days, the above mentioned, he had them for dinner, in his apartment. As he telegraphically announced, they receive this data with reservations. Because we have followed this problem with other sources and so far, we have not had any such signal, that they have come here for this reason, since it is the second time that this source gives us so and we think that this given, is not true.
For this work we asked the source how safe his data is and that he said that he did not meet with him, but he told him ……………………………, and ……………………, who may have lied to him. He added that when the source announced in the previous meeting about the arrival in the US, of A. Kondos and Xh. Sukniqi, he started from a letter that ……………………………… .., had sent to some of his friends here. There they were told that it was ready and that it would come with the two top mentioned in the US.
Even the source “6431”, emphasized that the delay of A. Kondo and Xh. Sukniqi to the US, according to ………………………., Is done on purpose by the Yugoslav authorities, because of a trial that the Yugoslavs will do, for two people and that according to them have been sent on security duties Albanian, in terms of these two. And for this reason, Aleksandri and Xhelali will appear in court as witnesses.
According to source ……………………… .., continue to be pursued by the country’s authorities for drug trafficking.
The data was extracted in 5 copies.
For …………………………………… .., Aleksandër Kondon and Xhelal Sukniqi.
Operational Workshop
M.T.
Secret
Examples No. 5
Tirana on 7.10.1986
Received P.op. M.Gj.
Source given “6131”
Dated 24.3.1986
I n f o r m a t I o n
During a visit that the fugitives A. Kondo and Xh. Sukniqi, they had done in the restaurant that has the source, had said that during the time they were in Yugoslavia, they were treated very well by the local authorities. According to them, the source emphasized that the cadres of the UDB bodies have maintained frequent contacts with them and have used them to obtain various information about our country. They, he said, have spoken very badly, emphasizing in particular the strong dictatorship that exists in Albania, the fear of the people from the Security organs, the very difficult economic situation, etc. They also stated that they had asked and given information of a military nature, especially the deployment of different units, the works of different types of engineers, the weapons they had, on the exercises that have been done and would be done, emphasizing that as much as possible above have spoken as much as they knew.
The above also said that during their stay in Yugoslavia, they were kept under control so that nothing would happen. This, they said, happened when it was learned that the Albanian Security sent two people on the escape route, which had the task of destroying them. Both have accepted the proposal made to them by the Yugoslav authorities and have been put at their service, also signing declarations of cooperation, to work for them, wherever they are in the West. They said that they were used as witnesses by the Yugoslavs, for the two persons from the district of ……………………………., who were sent as fugitives according to them, for the annihilation of these two.
One of them was sentenced to prison a few days before leaving Yugoslavia, while the other has not yet been apprehended. They have said that Xhelali, arrived in New York on February 5, while Alexander on 7. Two days before, they stayed at the house of N.K. Later for almost two weeks in the room of the fugitive ……………………., In New Jersey. After that they left and went to another place in New Jersey. Two weeks ago, they left and settled in a hotel, near our headquarters, said the source (at 32 Street between 5-6 Avenue). This hotel has been used before and continues to be used to accommodate various fugitives. Our source said that even during their stay here, they have received contacts not only with recent fugitives, who ask them about their families in Albania, but also with immigration leaders, who are interested in the situation in our country.
According to the source who heard them himself, both are making hostile propaganda against the RPSSH. The most active in this regard is Alexander, while the other does not speak before. Neither of them, the source points out, has regretted the act committed. Not only that, but Alexander has said that he will give interviews for local TV and “Voice of America”, if necessary. Alexander, who is angrier, has stated that he will take sensational action against us.
Therefore said “6131” beware and beware. In one case, the source said, when they learned that his friend Semiramis had died, Alexander said that he had “killed him himself, that he wanted to marry ………………….” At this point, the source points out; I got angry and badly offended Alexander. Among other things I said to him “what do you say you idiot, that they are each other” and he seeing that he exaggerated too much, left.
Operational Workshop
D. M.
SECRET
Specimens No. 1
Tirana on 15.10.1986
I N F O R M A T I O N
According to PC, who met on one occasion with the fugitive Aleksandër Kondo, at the ………………… restaurant, and living in New York, Aleksandri had spoken very badly about the situation in Albania and in particular spoke with great hatred, for the regime.
Issued according to the report of the source “6432” dated 8.4.1986 in two copies
Leading Officer
N. Gj.
Secret
Specimens No. 1
Tirana on 15.11.1986
EXCERPT
Extracted from radiogram of res. New York No. 1315 dated 2.11.1986 given by the source “6120”
Aleksandër Kondo has left his job in New York and met again with Xhelal Sukniqi. They both have …………… .., in the work center where Aleksandri. Worked and bought a big car, to use privately for transporting goods from one city to another.
Operational Workshop
D.M.
Report of the Chairman of the Security Branch on the Albanian agency in the USA, to whom he draws remarks regarding the lack of proper follow-up and surveillance of Kondos e Sukniqi
Comrade A. Th.
First of all, I want to emphasize that it is very bad for us that we follow Alexander Kondo without any plan of measures, for the time he is spending in New York. Such an action, for a person who poses a significant risk, is unacceptable. This shows marked irresponsibility and menefregism. I do not understand what you are dealing with. Second, by December 10, 1986, draft the action plan and submit it for approval. If you follow the other objects 2 / A like this, it will be very bad for you and very bad for me, to leave you to graze.
Branch President
M.D.
Tirana on 27.11.1986
Note
All other facilities and processing are and are followed with regular action plans.
Operational Workshop
A. Th.
Reports and Information of the State Security Operational Worker regarding the conversations that Aleksandër Kondo had for the VIII Party Congress in Tirana and his meetings with the Albanians who fled to the USA
Secret
Examples No. 2
Tirana on 25.11.1986
Comrade B.S. from New York by phone no. 1452 dated 20.11.1986 announces:
Speaking about the development of the 9th Congress of the ALP, the source said that the mass of the old people, based on their mentality that they had and still have, expected that in this congress that would take place without Enver Hoxha, to erupt quarrels and power struggles, between groups and factions, which according to them exist and arise from time to time, within the Party.
The opposite, he stressed, happens to young people and those with schooling. They contradicted the statements of the former, saying that nothing would happen, only that they had high hopes that a general amnesty would be decided in the congress, and in particular, the pardon of post-war emigration and their permission for to visit the families they have in Albania.
Regarding this problem, Aleksandër Kondo said: “I do not expect anything from this congress, because in every communist country, as well as in Albania, congresses are formal. Everything is done and decided in another country. In Albania “Three million of them live. Of these, one million are ordinary people, one million are state cadres and security agents, and another million are prisoners and internees.”
As above from source “6131”.
- Comrade Minister’s note: When, where, and how did B.p. with A. Kondon?
- Where do you work, live and what do you live on, A. Kondo?
- Apart from our source, who else has met or had the opportunity to contact A. Kondon?
Operational Workshop
D. M. Secret
Examples no
Tirana on 2.8.1986
I N F O R M A T I O N
According to the fugitive S.A. fugitives from the district of ………………… .., in 1985, to Yugoslavia, it turns out that Aksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, are ready and will travel to the US, where they will stabilize with work and housing on February 7, 1986.
Excerpted from the informative report of the meeting with B.p. “3869” dated 29.1.1986
Operational Workshop
P. K. Secret
Examples no
Tirana on 5.8.1986
I N F O R M A T I O N
Alexander Kondo, is placed with the help of …………………… .., in an unsuitable room in the worst neighborhood of New York (Harlem) for which he is unhappy. Aleksandër Kondo, keeps company with ……………………………… ..!
Extracted from the informative report of b.p. “3869”
Operational Workshop
P. K. Secret
Examples No. 1
Tirana on 6.12.1986
Comrade R.L. by phone no. 1240 dated 8.12.1986, announces New York:
Yours No. 1452 dated 20.11.1986:
By order of the Comrade Minister, verify:
When and how he met “6131” A. Kondon.
Where he works, lives and what he lives on, A. Kondo.
Apart from “6131” who else from the sources has met or has the possibility of contacting A. Kondon.
Send notice of these issues as soon as possible.
The activity of A. Kondos and Xh. Sukniqi, follow with priority, draw up action plans for following them and send them as soon as possible.
It was released for A. Kondon and Xh. Sukniqin
Operational Workshop
A. Th. Secret
Examples Nr
Tirana on 16.8.1986
Comrade B.S. by phone No. 963 dated 7.8.1986 from New York announces:
According to ………………………., He had recently received a letter from ………………, Johannesburg, where he wrote to him and tried to encourage him to intensify the propaganda against Albania and to organize the work and publish the newspaper, especially now on the eve of congress. He told them to have hope and faith because soon, something will be done for them as well.
He assured that recently, he had contacts and correspondence with American personalities, who promised him that soon it would be the turn of Albanian emigration. And the US will help and encourage it with all its might against the communist regime …………………………, he has written such letters to some other leaders, but according to …………………… , these should not be true ………………………… ..try to encourage and unite them to identify the degradation of OKLL.
According to ………………………… .., in Yugoslavia, they were forced to speak on RTV, threatening them with repatriation to Albania. They had even sent him back to Lake Shkodra to scare him and had told him that giving the interview would be one of the proofs that the Albanian security had not sent him. Reluctant to interview, because of the consequences for the family and not for the regime, which hates him to the maximum. He stressed that for what the Albanian Security did, he is following in his footsteps, perhaps to kill him.
Some time ago, an old fugitive was brought to him, a rich man who owned buildings in New Jersey, and from the questions and conversations he made him immediately realized that he was a Security agent. And this one with the trick of sikteris. He boasts that he is not afraid of anyone and that it is not his turn yet, but he will take revenge and show himself who he is. Has not exposed any action plan. He is interested in investing money in a business firm and if he does not succeed, he will be transferred to Italy. He speaks well of the situation in Yugoslavia.
,., From the district of Shkodra, who escaped some time ago from the army, together with a friend. The other was captured by our guards. While this one, has settled in Detroit, next to his cousin. They watch their work and hold an indifferent attitude towards us. He escaped for adventure. Likewise, the fugitive ……………, has stabilized next to his cousin …………………, does not speak badly about Albania, but says that he escaped because his life was bored like grass in the mountains.
Alexander Kondo has started working as a cleaner in sex bars in New York. He said that he sent some money to his family in Albania, but they returned it. He is completely overwhelmed, disappointed and even remorseful, but stubbornly does not express this. During this time, no action has been taken. Memorie.al
Leading Officer
D. M.
