By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part two
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. 13 OF THE INTERNMENT-EXPELLATIONS COMMISSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
INTERNMENT-DEPORTATION COMMISSION Group II
Tirana, on 3.II.1972
DECISION No. 13
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.II.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 Gradishte sector to Pluk of the N.B.SH. “29 Nëntori”, named Yzeir Arif Qejvanaj, by decision No. 3, dated 6.I.1972.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 14 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 25.II.1972
DECISION No. 14
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 3. II. 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:
Because he is a fraudulent, adventurous element and since his release represents a significant social danger, to internecine for 5 years in Kalivaç, Tepelena district:
XHAFER MEHMET KANANI, born in 1930, born in Kalivaç, Tepelena, with primary education, unmarried, poor class, previously sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment for the crime of usurpation of power, forgery of documents, etc.
The internment begins on 25.2.1972 and ends on 25.2.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 15 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 25.II.1972
DECISION No. 15
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.II.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 lift the measure of internment from the following persons:
- Azem Markut, born in 1934, born in the village of Gur-Kalis in the Kukës district, resident in the city of Tirana, with primary education, middle class, married, with 3 children.
- Sanije Markut, born in 1942, Azem’s wife.
They were interned for 5 years, with No. 10., date 3.II.1972, in the village of Mullet in the Tirana district.
Their internment was carried out because Azemi’s brother, Faik, attempted to kill….and fled in an unknown direction.
On date 15.II.1972, Faik Marku was arrested by the Internal Affairs organs.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 16 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 28.II.1972
DECISION No. 16
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 29.II.1972, in support of the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs
DECIDED:
For the reason that he has a bad political attitude and represents a social danger, to deport for 5 years, the following:
DED GJON MARKAJ, son of Gjon Markagjoni, born in 1924, born in Orosh i Mirdita, residing in the Gjazë sector of the Lushnje district, unmarried, deported by decision no. 7, dated 2.3.1967, for 5 years.
To be prohibited from residing and moving in the districts of Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Berat, and in all land border districts.
The expulsion begins on 2.3.1972 and ends on 2.3.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 17 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 28.II.1972
DECISION No. 17
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 29.II.1972, in support of the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For the reason that he has family members who have fled abroad, that he holds a bad political stance and represents a social danger, to deport for 5 years, the following:
THODHORI ALEKS FILI, born in 1933, born in the village of Mursi, Saranda district, residing in Gradishte, Lushnje, deported by decision No. 16, dated 12.4.1971.
To be prohibited from residing and moving in the districts of Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, Berat, and in all land border districts.
The expulsion begins on 1.3.1972 and ends on 1.3.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 18 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 29.II.1972
DECISION No. 18
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 29.II.1972, in support of the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after reviewing the proposal and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they are elements with a bad political past, considered kulaks, and since they represent a social danger, to internecine for 5 years in the village of Kafaraj, Fier district, the following persons:
- SAMI HAMATAJ, son of Muhamet and Hazbije, born in the village of Kafaraj, Fier district, resident in Tirana, unorganized, with primary education, married, pensioner, wealthy rural class, Mr. 1912.
- MAHMUDIJE HAMATAJ, daughter of Qazim and Rukije, born in 1912, born in Gorisht, Fier district, resident in Tirana, housewife, wife of Sami.
- TEUTA HAMATAJ, born in 1950, born and resident in Tirana, unmarried, unorganized, with secondary education, working as a technologist at the Porcelain Factory, daughter.
- FLORA HAMATAJ, born in 1953, resident in Tirana, with eight years of education, unorganized, worker at the Electromechanical Factory.
The internment began on 29.II.1972 and ended on 29.II.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 19 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.4.1972
DECISION No. 19
The Internment-Deportation 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 and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude and since he represents a social danger, to internecine in Kurbnesh, Mirditë district, for a period of 5 years, KASO MEHMET KARAFILIN, born in 1911, born in Konispol, formerly residing in the city of Tirana.
The internment begins on 3.4.1972 and ends on 3.4.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 20 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.4.1972
DECISION No. 20
The Internment-Deportation 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 and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For the reason that they do not pose a social danger, the measure of internment-deportation shall be lifted from the following persons:
- Taze Mark Vokrri, born in 1942, born and residing in the village of Hajmel, Shkodra district, interned in 1967, with decision No. 5, dated 6.1.1972, was deported for another five years.
- Petrika Foto Bacu, born in 1925, born and residing in Korça, married.
- Iliana Andrea Bacu, born in 1933, born and residing in Korça, wife of Petrika.
They were interned in 1968. By decision No. 38, dated 21.XII.1969, their internment was converted into deportation.
- Refik Haxhi Dauti, born in 1934, born in Kaliçisht, Yugoslavia, formerly residing in Durrës, interned in 1966, in Borsh, Saranda district.
- Xhevat Ismail Lame, born in 1931, born in Korça and residing in Tirana, interned in Pëllumbas, Tirana district, by decision No. 35, dated 22.9.1971.
- Hasim Servet Serveti, born in 1932, born in Çamëria, residing in Tirana, interned by decision No. 23, dated 1.5.1969, for 5 years, in Çekrez-Morinë.
- Bujar Sulejman Vuçiterni, born in 1931, born in Tirana, resident in Durrës, interned by decision No. 22, dated 1.7.1969, for 5 years, in Kryevidh of Kavajës.
- Eduard Fuat Merdani, born in 1950, born and resident in Korça, interned by decision No. 37, dated 7.7.1967, for 5 years, in Pulahë of the Korça district.
- Nadije Pëllumb Dishnica, born in 1946, born in Tirana, residing in the village of Nëdërmenas of the Fier district.
- Afërdita Pëllumb Dishnica, born in 1950, born in Tirana, residing in the village of Nëdërmenas of the Fier district.
They were interned by decision No. 3 dated 14.2.1968, for 5 years.
- Selman Islam Basha, born in 1936, born and residing in the village of Novosej, interned in Thirrë, Kukës for 5 years, by decision No. 14, dated 12.4.1971.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 22 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.4.1972
DECISION No. 22
The Internment-Deportation 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 and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude, since they represent a social danger, to internecine for 5 years:
- Vera Resulin, daughter of Loni and Efigjen, born in 1945, born in Zhelizhan, Lushnje district, residing in the city of Lushnje, married with two children, to be interned in the N.B.SH., Gradishte sector of Lushnje.
- Zija Malo, son of Emin and Vasfija, born in 1936, born and residing in the city of Konispol, mechanic, married, with 3 children, to be interned in the N.B.SH. Borsh, in the district of Saranda.
The internment began on 3.4.1972 and ended on 3.4.1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 23 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.4.1972
DECISION No. 23
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 and the materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
For bad political attitude, since he represents a social danger, to deport for 5 years:
- Pandeli Stavri Brahon, born in 1914, born and resident in the village of Leshnicë e Sipërme, now residing in Borsh, Saranda.
He shall be prohibited from residing and moving in the cities of Tirana, Durrës, Berat, Vlorë, and Elbasan and in the land border districts.
The deportation begins on 13.4.1972 and ends on 13.4.1977/Memorie.al
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
Continued in the next issue…
