By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part five
Memorie.al / From 1944, when it came to power, until the end of 1990, the communist regime of dictator Enver Hoxha and his successor Ramiz Alia – based on the theory and “teachings of Marx, Engels, Lenin, and Stalin” as well as the ideology they devised and applied across nearly half the world – continuously waged class warfare, executing, imprisoning, or interning their political opponents. In this context, starting from December 1944, when Enver Hoxha and the government he headed descended from the mountains and took power, alongside executions with and without trial, the internment of tens and hundreds of families began. These were families they considered “overthrown classes” or accused of being “enemies of the people” – mainly wealthy or middle-class families, former officials of King Zog’s Monarchy, who during the occupation period had joined or supported the nationalist organizations “Balli Kombëtar” or “Legaliteti.”
This punitive “practice” of internment and deportation would also be applied to hundreds upon hundreds of communists (ranging from the simplest members to former members of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the APL), deputies, ministers, military officers, and high-ranking officials, along with their families, whom Enver Hoxha and the communist regime in power would declare “traitors, revisionists, enemies of the people,” etc. From 1944 until 1949, decisions for internment and deportation were made by the “Commission for Deportations and Confiscation of Assets,” which operated under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In the following years, this commission changed its name several times until 1954, when it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Prime Ministry and named the “Internment-Deportation Commission,” which functioned regularly until 1990.
From 1954 until 1974, the chairman of that commission was Beqir Balluku, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the APL, who held the position of Minister of People’s Defense and simultaneously that of Deputy Prime Minister in the government headed by Mehmet Shehu. The vice-chairman of the commission was the Minister of Internal Affairs, Kadri Hazbiu, while the members included the Attorney General Dhori Panariti and the Chairman of the Supreme Court, Aranit Çela. (After the sentencing of Beqir Balluku in 1974, the role of Chairman of Internment-Deportations was taken by Deputy Prime Minister Manush Myftiu, and after the sentencing of Kadri Hazbiu, the role of vice-chairman was taken by Hekuran Isai).
During its entire period of existence and operation, this commission issued hundreds and thousands of decisions, deporting and interning thousands of persons who were forcibly removed from their places of residence and compelled to live in remote villages and areas of the country, from south to north. The villages containing internment camps were primarily designated by the government in the Myzeqe area of Lushnje and Fier (Savër, Çermë, Bedat, Grabian, Gradisht, Plug, Gjazë, Zhamë, Sulzotaj, Kryekuq, Karavasta, Shtyllas, etc.) – specifically in the central part of the country – to keep them as far as possible from the state borders to prevent escape from Albania.
Based on the relevant law under which the Internment-Deportation Commission operated, a person or a family was initially interned for five years, but these terms were repeated, being extended every five years. As a result, entire families – mainly from Northern Albania, such as the Gjonmarkaj of Mirdita; the Kaloshi, Sina, Alia, Dema, Dine, Mena, and Ndreu of Dibra; the Bajraktari and Kolgjini of Kukës; the Kola, Allamani, and Sulkurti of Mat; the Merlika, Kupa, and Bami of Kruja; the Mirakaj of Puka; the Radi and Gjekaj of Shkodra; the Pervizi of Kurbin; and the Mulleti and Petrela of Tirana; or those from the South of the country, such as the Dosti of Gjirokastra; the Frashëri and Çela of Përmet and Kolonja; the Staravecka of Skrapar, etc. – remained in internment locations until 1991, when the communist regime collapsed. In fact, some of them remained there for many years afterward, as they had nowhere else to go, having no corner left to shelter their heads!
Regarding the above, Memorie.al has secured a voluminous file from the Archive of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (bearing the “Secret” stamp, but long since declassified), containing the decisions of the Internment-Deportation Commission, which we are publishing in full along with the relevant facsimiles. These include the names of the individuals and families who were deported and interned, as well as the specific charges against each of them.
Continued from the previous issue…
DECISION NO. 49 OF THE INTERNMENT-EXPELLATIONS COMMISSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
INTERNMENT-DEPORTATION COMMISSION Group II
Tirana, on 4.10.1972
DECISION No. 49
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 04.10.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds of conducting hostile activity and posing a risk of escaping abroad, to intern for a period of 5 years in Gradishtë, Lushnjë district:
- Vasil Stavro Llajo, born 1917, born in the village of Leshnicë, Sarandë district, residing in Gradishtë, Lushnjë district, farmer, primary education, middle-class background, under Decision No. 50, dated 27.10.1967.
His term of internment expires on 27.X.1972.
The [new] internment begins on 27.X.1972 and ends on 27.X.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 50 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 4.10.1972
DECISION No. 50
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 13.05.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds of posing a social danger and because her husband, Dhimitër Kotefa, has been convicted of crimes against the state, to expel for a period of 5 years:
- Angjeliqi Grigor Kotefa, born 1933, born in the village of Çekovicë, Sarandë district, formerly residing in Tirana, currently in the sector of the State Agricultural Enterprise (N.B.SH.) Adriatik, Krujë, primary education, wealthy-class background.
- Kosta Dhimitër Kotefa, son of Angjeliqi, born in 1951.
They were expelled under Decision No. 11, dated 10.06.1970, until 05.10.1972.
They are prohibited from residing in or traveling to the cities of Tirana and Durrës, as well as the border districts.
The [new] expulsion begins on 05.10.1972 and ends on 05.10.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 51 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 4.10.1972
DECISION No. 51
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 13.05.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds that they no longer pose a social danger, to lift the measure of internment-expulsion for:
- Antigoni Perikli Biba, born 1924, formerly residing in the city of Tirana, interned under Decision No. 33, dated 22.09.1971, in Baldushk, Tirana district.
- Eqrem Zini Barçe, born 1938, formerly residing in the city of Tirana, under Decision No. 24, dated 23.05.1968, within the district of Tirana.
- Myrteza Maliq Dervishi, born 1942, born and residing in Tirana, interned under Decision No. 23, dated 01.07.1969.
- Koço Vasil Dilo, born 1916, formerly residing in Tirana, interned in Grabjan, under Decision No. 55, dated 14.12.1968.
- Violeta Vlash Dilo, born 1932, formerly residing in Tirana, interned in Grabjan, under Decision No. 55, dated 14.12.1968.
- Belule Kasaj, born 1941, formerly residing in Tirana, residing in the Fier district, interned since 1968; under Decision No. 26, dated 03.07.1971, she was expelled until 19.04.1976.
- Petraq Llazi Xega, born 1942, formerly residing in Tirana, residing in Seman, interned since 1966; under Decision No. 12, dated 12.04.1972, [his term] was extended for another 5 years.
- Lida Bajram Çami, born 1915, formerly residing in Tirana, residing in Seman, interned since 1966; under Decision No. 13, dated 12.04.1972, she was expelled for another 5 years.
- Memetali Lik Toptani, born 1920, formerly residing in Tirana, currently in the Lushnje district, interned since 1964; under Decision No. 37, dated 04.12.1969, expelled for 5 years.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 52 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 4.X.1972
DECISION No. 52
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 13.05.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Due to a lack of housing, to transfer the following internees to their respective districts:
- Halil Jaho Shabani, born 1947, to be transferred from the Kuç Land Reclamation Enterprise to the Lepenicë Hydroelectric Power Plant.
- Piro Thanas Varkavi, born 1948, to be transferred from the Kuç Land Reclamation Enterprise to the Lepenicë Hydroelectric Power Plant.
- Fatmir Qamil Gusha, born 1951, to be transferred from Gomsiqe to the city of Shkodër.
- Edmond Kristo Trajani, born 1953, to be transferred from the village of Valias to the village of Baldushk, Tirana district.
- Hasan Ahmet Koka, born 1914, formerly residing in the city of Tirana, interned in the village of Macukull, to be interned in the city of Burrel.
- Shyqyri Fadil Sefa, to be transferred from the village of Shesh to the village of Valias, Tirana district.
- Qamile Nexhat Sefa, to be transferred from the village of Shesh to the village of Valias, Tirana district.
- Xhelal Xhemil Dragoti, to be transferred from the Seman sector to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
- Flamur Hajri Rroshi, to be transferred from the Seman sector to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
- Sanije Qani Osmani, to be transferred from the Seman sector to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
- Avni Ali Gero, to be transferred from the Seman sector to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
- Bashkim Hasan Hoxha, to be transferred from the Seman sector to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
- Llambi Tasi Kola, to be transferred from Libofshë to the Hoxharë sector, Fier district.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 53 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 4.X.1972
DECISION No. 53
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 13.05.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds of posing a social danger and because her husband, Shaqir Noka, has been arrested for the crime of treason against the fatherland, to expel for a period of 5 years:
Xhevahire Sadik Noka, born 1932, born in Rrënxë, Dibër, is residing in Tirana, self-educated, sanitary worker at Kindergarten No. 43.
She is prohibited from residing in or traveling within the Tirana district.
The expulsion begins on 04.X.1972 and ends on 04.X.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 55 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 10.XI.1972
DECISION No. 55
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 10.11.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds of having a poor moral-social standing and posing a pronounced risk of escaping [the country], to intern for a period of 5 years at the State Agricultural Enterprise (N.B.SH.) Çorovodë, Skrapar district:
- Agim Asim Aliko, born 1951, born and residing in Tirana, mechanic, unemployed, with a 7-year education, poor-class background, single.
The internment begins on 10.XI.1972 and ends on 10.XI.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 56 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 16.XI.1972
DECISION No. 56
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 16.11.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
On the grounds of posing a risk of escaping abroad, to intern for a period of 5 years in the village of T’pla, Tropojë district:
- Gjyle Avdi Leci, born 1930, from the village of Buçaj, Tropojë district, married, with children, previously interned under Decision No. 51, dated 16.11.1967, residing in T’pla. On 16.11.1972, her internment term expires.
The [new] internment begins on 16.11.1972 and ends on 16.11.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 57 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 16.XI.1972
DECISION No. 57
The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 16.11.1972, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Due to a lack of housing and work placements, to transfer within the Tirana district the following internees:
- Ramadan Shazedin Daullxhiu, born 1929, born in Berat, residing in Tirana, worker, married with 8 children.
- Refije Ahmet Daullxhiu, born 1930, worker, spouse of Ramadan. They were interned under Decision No. 35, dated 15.09.1971.
- Luan Ramadan Daullxhiu, born 1950, worker, interned under Decision No. 23, dated 20.10.1970. To be transferred from the village of Derje-Shkallë to the village of Tapizë, Tirana district.
- Besim Enver Xhezo, born 1946, worker, interned under Decision No. 54, dated 04.10.1972, to be transferred from the village of Shënkoll to the village of Vrap, Tirana district, to be with his family./Memorie.al
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
Continued in the next issue…
![“They have given her [the permission], but if possible, they should revoke it, as I believe it shouldn’t have been granted. I don’t know what she’s up to now…” / Enver Hoxha’s letter uncovered regarding a martyr’s mother seeking to visit Turkey.](https://memorie.al/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Dok-1-350x250.jpg)
