From the Agaj, Shaska, Luzi, and Velaj families, to the Alemi, Xhindi, Çeprati, Bollano, and Çeloaliaj clans… / A secret document from the 1967 Internment-Expulsion Commission is uncovered, regarding the prominent families of Vlora.

By Dashnor Kaloçi

Part nine

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. 31 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                                     Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION                 

Tirana, 2.6.1967

                                                        DECISION No. 31

The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 2.6.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To extend the period of internment for another 5 years, on the grounds that he poses a risk of escape:

1. Stasiani Margarit Kënuti, born in 1029, from the village of Dhivër, Saranda district, interned by decision No. 57, dated 16.6.1962.

His internment begins on 2.6.1967 and ends on 2.6.1972.

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION     CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION

KADRI HAZBIU                                                                        ————————

                                              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           Tirana, 2.6.1967

                                            DECISION No. 32

The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 2.6.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To internecine for 5 years in the village of Nenshat, Shkodra district, Halit Man Haxhin, born in 1934, born and residing in the village of Vidhgar, Shkodra district, poor class, farmer by profession, unmarried.

The above-mentioned person poses a risk of escape. He speaks ill of the cooperative system.

The internment begins on 14.6.1967 and ends on 14.6.1972.

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION          CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION

KADRI HAZBIU                                                                   ———————

                                              MEMBERS

 PROSECUTOR GENERAL               PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT            

DHORI PANARITI                                                ARANIT ÇELA

DECISION NO. 33 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Tirana, 14.6.1967

                                                  DECISION No.33

The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 14.6.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To internecine for 5 years in the village of Progonat, Tepelena district, because they represent a social danger:

1. Halil Hamit Qendron, (Qenaj), born in 1934, born in the village of Progonat, Tepelena district, residing in Tirana, unemployed.
2. Godo Hamit Qendron, (Qenaj), born in 1923, born in the village of Progonat, Tepelena district, residing in Tirana, unemployed.
3. Darovije Muharrem Qendro (Qenaj), born in 1925, born in the village of Golem, residing in Tirana, his wife.

Internment begins on 14.6.1967 and ends on 14.6.1972.

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION      CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION

KADRI HAZBIU                                                                            ———————

                                                       MEMBERS

PROSECUTOR GENERAL                PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT            

DHORI PANARITI                                                ARANIT ÇELA

DECISION NO. 34 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Tirana, 21.VI.1967

                                            DECISION No. 34

The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 21.VI.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To lift the measure of internment, because they do not pose a social danger:

1. Vjollca Fuat Xhaferri (Dibra), born in 1931, born in Tirana, residing in Elbasan, interned in 1962, by decision no. 31, dated 27.6.1964, her internment has been converted into expulsion for a period of 5 years.
2. Paške Kol Deda, born in 1913, from the village of Niksh in the Shkodër district, residing in the Fier district, was expelled by decision No. 51, dated 21.10.1963, for a period of 5 years.
3. Paške Prel Vukaj, born in 1929, from the village of Vermosh in the Shkodër district, residing in Fier, expelled with place no. 31, dated 27.6.1964, for a period of 5 years.
4. Ali Sulejman Vladi, born in 1927, born and residing in the village of Krej-Lurë, poor class, married, interned in Lushnje by decision No. 22, dated 6.5.1967, for a period of 5 years.
5. Kosta Miho Fisheku, born in 1919, born and residing in the village of Kareq in the Saranda district, middle class, married with four children, interned for 5 years, by decision No. 8, dated 4.10.1962.
6. Jani Vasil Partali, born in 1930, born and residing in the village of Leshnic in the Saranda district, middle class, married with three children, interned in 1959 in Borsh for 5 years by decision No. 31, dated 27.6.1964, the measure of internment is converted into expulsion for 5 years.

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION        CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION

KADRI HAZBIU                                                                   ———————–

                                                        MEMBERS

PROSECUTOR GENERAL                  PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT            

DHORI PANARITI                                                ARANIT ÇELA

DECISION NO. 35 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Tirana, 24.VI.1967

                                                  DECISION No. 35

The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 24.VI.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To internegate for social danger the following persons:

1. Petrit Ahmet Velaj, born in 1934, born in the village of Kaninë and resident in the city of Vlorë, wealthy class, with secondary education, with profession as an ironworker, working in the N.SH.N. of Vlorë, married, without children.
2. Rukije Refit Velaj, born in 1941, born in Kaninë, housewife, and wife.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Kaninë, Vlorë district. Internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

3. Cane Reiz Agaj, born in 1935, born in the village of Hysoverdhë, resident in the city of Vlorë, wealthy, with primary education, by profession worker in the metal cooperative, married, has two children.
4. Beun Reiz Agaj, born in 1939, born in the village of Hysoverdhë and resident in Vlorë, with 7 years of education, by profession worker in the metal cooperative, single, has a brother.
5. Avni Reiz Agaj, born in 1941, with 7 years of education, by profession worker in the Caustic Soda Plant, single, has a brother.
6. Stoli Faik Agaj, born in 1942, born in the village of Çeprat and residing in Vlora, with primary education, housewife, and wife.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Hysoverdhë in the Vlora district. The internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

7. Drita Refat Luzi, born in 1915, born and residing in the city of Vlora, wealthy class, uneducated, with a housewife’s profession, married, with three children.
8. Muhamet Isuf Luzi, born in 1938, with a three-year high school education, with a worker’s profession at the “Perlat Rexhepi” Enterprise in Vlora, Drita’s son.
9. Leonora Isuf Luzi, born in 1937, born and residing in Vlora, with primary education, working as a housewife, daughter.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Kaninë, Vlorë district. The internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

10. 10. Fadil Hysni Xhindi, born in 1924, born and residing in the city of Vlorë, with the profession of worker in the “Perlat Rexhepi” Enterprise in Vlorë, wealthy class, married, with four children.
11. Garentina Sadik Xhindi, born in 1932, born in the village of Vajzë and residing in the city of Vlorë, with 7 years of education, worker and daughter.
12. Alajdnin Mehmet Alemi, born in 1934, born in the village of Tragjas and residing in the city of Vlorë, with secondary education, with the profession of electrician in N.I.SH. Electrician, wealthy, single.
13. Sute Mehmet Alemi, born in 1933, with secondary education, unemployed, sister.
14. Miss Mehmet Alemi, born in 1941, born and residing in Vlora, with secondary education, worker at the Olive Oil Company, unmarried, sister.
15. 15. Luan Mehmet Alemi, born in 1944, born and residing in Vlora, with secondary education, electrician by profession and working in Gorishte, single, brother.
16. Ervehe Mehmet Alemi, born in 1939, born and residing in the city of Vlora, with secondary education, unmarried, housewife, sister.
17. Alem Mehmet Alemi, born in 1931, born and residing in Vlora, by profession bricklayer, working at N.SH.N. “21 Dhjetori”, Tirana.
18. Myrvete Haki Alemi, born in 1940, born in Ndroq, Tirana district, and residing in the city of Vlora, with 7 years of education, is a housewife, and a sister-in-law.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Tragjas, Vlora district. Their internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

19. Enver Neim Xhaferri, born in 1921, born in the village of Oshtimë, resident in the city of Vlorë, wealthy, with primary education, by profession worker at the “Perlat Rexhepi” Enterprise, married, with 4 children.
20. 20. Mbarime Qani Xheferri, born in 1933, born in Fier and resident in Vlorë, with primary education, worker at the N.B.SH. Frutore Vlorë, and his wife.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Oshtimë, Vlorë district. The internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

21. Lluka Jorgji Bollano, born in 1918, born in Himara and residing in the city of Vlora, with secondary education, wealthy class, married with two children, works at N.S.H.N. “Perlat Rexhepi”.
22. Marika Vangjel Bollano, born in 1920, born in Delvina and residing in the city of Vlora, with secondary education, unemployed, wife.
23. Jorgo Lluka Bollano, born in 1949, born and residing in Vlora, with secondary education, unmarried, worker at N.B.SH. Frutore, son.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Himarë, Vlorë district. The internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

24. Safa Axhem Çeloaliaj, born in 1934, born in the village of Dukat, resident in the city of Vlorë, wealthy class, uneducated, married, has 3 children, worker at N.B.SH. Frutore.
25. 25. Suta Hilmi Çeloaliaj, born in 1934, born in the village of Kaninë, resident in the city of Vlorë, uneducated, worker at the Frutore Enterprise, and his wife.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Dukat, Vlorë district. The internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

26. 26. Bexhet Xhaferr Çeprati, born in 1906, born in the village of Çeprat and resident in the city of Vlora, wealthy class, with secondary education, married, with three children, unemployed.
27. Irfane Boço Çeprati, born in 1904, born in Gjirokastër and resident in the city of Vlora, unemployed, his wife.
28. Violeta Bexhet Çeprati, born in 1944, with pedagogical education, currently unemployed, engaged in Lushnje, his daughter.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Çeprat, Vlora district. Internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

29. Xhelal Hate Shaska, born in 1899, born in Kocul, resident in Vlora, wealthy class, with higher education, by profession civil servant, currently unemployed, has two children, has completed higher education in Italy. In previous regimes, he has held important state positions. During the National Liberation War, he was an organizer and active member of the Balli organization, after liberation he was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
30. Hatixhe Seit Shaska, born in 1917, born and resident in Vlora, with primary education, unemployed, his wife.
31. Fahri Xhelal Shaska, born in 1937, born and residing in Vlora, with secondary education, worker at N.SH.N. “Perlat Rexhepi”, married, brother.
32. Shpresa Jaup Shaska, born in 1946, born and residing in Vlora, with secondary education, currently unemployed, young.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Kocul in the Vlora district. Their internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972.

33. Mina Spiro Para, born in 1914, born in Poliçan in the Gjirokastra district, wealthy class, with secondary education, married, with two children.
34. Kasiani Ilia Para, born in 1925, born in Poliçan and residing in Vlora, housewife, wife.

To be interned for 5 years in the village of Para in the Vlora district. Their internment begins on 24.6.1967 and ends on 24.6.1972. 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…