By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part three
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. 24 OF THE INTERNMENT-EXPELLATIONS COMMISSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
INTERNMENT-DEPORTATION COMMISSION Group II
Tirana, on 3.4.1972
DECISION No. 24
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.4.1972, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To transfer from the village of Çekrez-Morinë to the village of Valias in the Tirana district, the following internees:
- Nazmi Isuf Zelija
- Kiço Kozma Tavanxhi
- Eqerem Zihni Baçi
- Ilia Andrea Zoraqi
- Besnik Shefqet Qerimi
- Nuri Mustafa Jevgu
- Bajram Fejzi Mahmutaj
- Xhevit Daut Luka
- Agron Jaho Osmani
- Shyqëri Fadil Sefa
- Eqerem Kadri Tafa
- Shyqëri Mersin Sopaj
- Seit Shefqet Nallbani
They were interned by decision No. 24, dated 23.5.1968, for 5 years.
- Xhevdet Ibrahim Xhitoni
- Riza Mersin Mumajesi
- Shyqëri Mersin Bërxholli
- Llesh Ibrahim Toro
- Saimir Musa Petrela
- Fadil Mersin Mumajesi
- Spiro Nako Gjini
- Skënder Musa Gërxhaliu
- Bajram Xhemal Patogu
- Thoma Loni Kasapi (Kostandini)
- Muhamet Jonuz Mata
- Neshat Çome Fraulli (Tavanxhiu)
- Avdyl Hajrulla Sallaku
- Feim Avdurrahman Ranku
- Ylli Ibrahim Deliallisi
- Alush Ali Deliu
- Myrteza Maliq Dervishi
- Mynir Nuri Sulstarova
- Rakip Myrteza Rexha
- Mustafa Halil Ferizoviqi
- Spiro Filip Jani
They were interned by decision No. 28, dated 13.8.1969, for 5 years.
- Dilaver Ali Berberi
- Ylli Lilo Lalaj
- Haxhi Nasib Manushi
- Kostaq Vangjel Nako
- Ali Alia Blakçori
- Muhamet Haxhi Hashimi
- Refat Demir Hyseni
- Romeo Pandi Duro
- Agim Muharrem Gega
- Lirim Mylazim Muça
- Hyqmet Xhelal Hoxha
They were interned for 5 years, by decision No. 23, dated 20.1.1970.
- Ferit Ali Berberi
- Skënder Ali Berberi
- Shyqëri Ali Matja
They were interned by decision No. 24, dated 3.7.1971, for 5 years.
- Hasan Sali Bani, interned by decision No. 45, dated 27.X.1971.
To be transferred from Çekrez-Morina to the village of Vasqi:
- Estref Beqir Abazi, interned by decision No. 24, dated 23.5.1968, 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. 25 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 17.4.1972
DECISION No. 25
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 17.4.1972, pursuant to the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after examining the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To transfer the following internees:
- Shyqëri Fadil Sefa, born in 1938, born and residing in Tirana, from the village of Valias, in the village of Shesh, in the district of Tirana.
- Idriz Arif Mata, born in 1944, born in Dibër and residing in Tirana, from the village of Çekrez-Morinë, in the village of Valias, in the district of Tirana.
- Muharrem Hasan Duka, born in 1942, born and residing in Tirana, in the village of Valias, in the district of Tirana.
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. 26 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 18.4.1972
DECISION No. 26
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 18.4.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude and because he poses a risk of escape, to deport to Roskovec, Fier district, for 5 years:
- Maliq Rustem Noka, born in 1926, born in Blliçë, Dibër district, residing in Roskovec, Fier district, middle-class peasant, with secondary education, married, with children, expelled from the Party.
- Nilke Myftar Noka, born in 1926, born in Blliçë, Dibër district, residing in Roskovec, Fier district, middle-class peasant, with secondary education, married, with children, expelled from the Party.
1924, born in Brest i Poshtëm, resident of Blliçë, Dibër district, wife of Maliq.
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. 27 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.V.1972
DECISION No. 27
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude, since it represents a social danger, to internecine for 5 years, in the village of Shtyllas, Fier district.
- Zef Prend Ndocin, born in 1926, born in the village of Musht, Pukë district, residing in Shtyllas, Fier district, kulak, farmer, married, with children, interned by decision No. 2, dated 6.5.1967, for five years.
The internment begins on 6.5.1972 and ends on 6.5.1977.
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. 28 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.V.1972
DECISION No. 28
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude, since it poses a risk of escaping abroad, to deport for 5 years, in Borsh, Saranda district:
- Vasiliqi Kosta Konomi, born in 1920, born in the village of Dhivër, residing in Borsh, married, with children.
- Teli Spiro Konomi, born in 1940, bricklayer, married, with children, son of Vasiliqi.
- Kosta Spiro Konomi, born in 1940, bricklayer, married, with children, son of Vasiliqi. 1945, worker, single, son of Vasiliqia.
- Irini Vasil Konomi, 1944, worker, young.
They were interned by decision No. 2, dated 6.5.1967, for 5 years in Borsh, Saranda district.
- Stasiani Margarit Kënuti, b. 1929, from the village of Dhivër, interned in Borsh, Saranda district for 5 years, by decision No. 31, dated 6.5.1967.
Their internment began on 6.5.1972 and ended on 6.5.1977.
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. 29 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 5.V.1972
DECISION No. 29
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DETERMINED:
For unworthy behavior in society, since they represent a social danger, to internecine for 5 years in the village of Beçisht, Tepelena district.
- Maliq Lavzat Skëndyli, born in 1924, born in Gjirokastër, formerly residing in Tirana, interned by decision No. 30, dated 31.5.1967, for 5 years in Beçisht.
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. 30 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.V.1972
DECISION No. 30
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Since she poses a risk of fleeing abroad, to deport for a period of 5 years:
- Rodhali Stefan Kuçano, born in 1930, born in Skore, Gjirokastra, formerly residing in Tirana, now residing in Borsh, Saranda district, married, interned by decision No. 22, dated 6.5.1967, for a period of 5 years.
Residence and movement in the districts of Tirana, Durrës, Berat, Elbasan, Vlorë, the land border districts and the villages of the border area of the Saranda district shall be prohibited.
The expulsion begins on 6.5.1972 and ends on 6.5.1977.
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. 31 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.5.1972
DECISION No. 31
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For reasons of posing a social danger, to be interned for 5 years in the village of Klos in Kukës:
- Nexhip Gafur Lloçi, born in 1898, born and residing in the village of Lojmë.
- Sofije Arif Lloçi, born in 1910, born in Nimçe, residing in Lojmë, wife of Nexhip.
- Gafur Nexhip Lloçi, born in 1933, born and residing in Lojmë.
- Hasan Nexhip Lloçi, born in 1940, born and residing in Lojmë
- Lirie Lloçi, daughter of Zaimi and Hasija, born in 1949, born in Shtiqë and residing in Lojmë, young.
- Hava Lloçi, daughter of Selami and Habila, born in 1939, born in Osmanaj and residing in Lojmë, young.
Her internment began on 7.5.1972 and ended on 7.5.1977.
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. 32 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.V.1972
DECISION No. 32
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 6.5.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For the reason that they pose a social danger, to be interned for 5 years in the village of Iballe in Puka:
- Ramadan Adem Meçe, born in 1915, born and residing in the village of Lojmë.
- Tasim Ramadan Meçe, born in 1945, born and residing in the village of Lojmë, his son.
- Ferit Ramadan Meçe, born in 1950, born and residing in the village of Lojmë, his son.
- Zaime Meçe, daughter of Dervish and Hajrie, born in 1950, born and residing in Lojmë, the young woman.
The internment began on 7.5.1972 and ended on 7.5.1977. 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…
