By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part fifteen
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. 47/A OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Tirana, 5.10.1967
DECISION No. 47/A
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 5.X.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:
For the reason that they carry out hostile activities and pose a significant social danger, to internecine for 5 years the following persons:
- Agim Qemal Burimi, born in 1951, born in Psar i Zi, Kolonja district and residing in Tirana, wealthy class, with secondary education, with the profession of technical surveyor in High Voltage, married with three children.
- Besnike Hasan Burimi, born in 1933, child educator in Kindergarten No. 34. Besnika’s parents are well-off, she is Agim’s wife.
- Sanije Qerim Burmi, born in 1907, housewife, mother.
- Sulejman Qemal Burimi, born in 1933, 7 years of education, electrician at the National Institute of Electrical Engineering, married, brother.
- Razije Riza Burimi, born in 1938, 7 years of education, housewife, Sulejman’s wife.
To be interned in Petë, Vlorë district.
- Luan Qemal Burimi, born in 1937, secondary education, electrician at the National Institute of Electrical Engineering, married, brother.
- Hamide Xhemal Burimi, born in 1943, with secondary education, nurse at Hospital No. 3, wife of Luani.
To be interned in Libofshë, Fier district.
- Muharrem Rexho Peposhi, born in 1928, born in Tetovo, Yugoslavia and resident in Tirana, middle class, unemployed, married.
- Hajrie Ali Peposhi, born in 1930, unemployed, wife of Muharrem.
- Nuredin Rexhep Mullaj, born in 1933, born in the village of Floq, Korça district and resident in Tirana, poor class, with 7 years of education, by profession driver, married.
- Lumtur Izet Mullaj, born in 1938, with 7 years of education, worker, wife.
To be interned in Libofshë, Fier district.
- Angjeliqi Dhimitër Kotefa, born in 1933, born in the village of Cekovie, Saranda district, residing in Tirana with primary education, wealthy class, housewife.
- Kosta Dhimitër Kotefa, born in 1951, student, son.
To be interned in Adriatik, Krujë district.
The internment began on 5/X/1967 and ended on 5/X/1972, for 5 years.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU ————————
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
Note:
By decision 47, dated 5.X.1967, the 13 people listed in this decision (copy) and others, the Xhindolls, with……nr. 26 dated 8.I.’68 (See the letter on the back)
The others went voluntarily. They are not considered interned.
Josif Andon Krishani….
Eduard Babani…..V. 39, year 1969
(See V.H. measure – Kalosh Shemsi Kola (see the decision)
– Handane Nazif…..
– Hatixhe Viçishti …..
TOP SECRET INFORMATION REPORT OF THE STATE SECURITY DIRECTORATE, SENT TO THE TIRANA DIRECTORATE OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND THE INTERNAL BRANCH OF LUSHNJA DISTRICT
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS Ex. No. 3
FIRST DIRECTORATE Group 3/B
2 years
VIRTH BRANCH Tirana, on 8.5.1968
No. 26 Prot.
DIRECTORATE OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS (INSURANCE SIDE LUSHNJE)
TIRANA
BRANCH OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS
(INSURANCE SIDE)
LUSHNJE
By decision no. 47, dated 5.X.1967 of the Internment and Deportation Commission, the following persons shall be interned for 5 years:
- Tafil Mustafa Xhindole, born in 1906, born in Lushnje and resident in the city of Tirana, wealthy class, with primary education, worker in the State Treasury, married.
- Lutfije Ferhat Xhindole, born in 1908, housewife, wife.
- Burhan Tefik Xhindole, born in 1935, with secondary education, electrician, son.
- Sabaudin Tefik Xhindole, born in 1937, with secondary education, shoemaker, son.
- Gramoz Tefik Xhindole, born in 1942, with 7 years of education, carpenter, son.
- Bujar Tefik Xhindole, born in 1942, with 7 years of education, worker, son.
- Ferdinant Tefik Xhindole, born in 1944, with 7 years of education, worker, son.
The aforementioned refused the call of the Executive Committee of Tirana to leave voluntarily.
To be interned in the village of Imshte, Lushnja district, for 5 years.
The internment begins on 3.1.1968 and ends on 3.1.1973.
To be informed that in cases of leaving the place of internment without permission, they will be held criminally liable.
V DEPUTY/CHIEF OF THE V-TH BRANCH
REXHO HYSENI
DECISION NO. 49 OF THE INTERNMENT-EXPELLATIONS COMMISSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
INTERNMENT – EXPULSION COMMISSION Ex. No. 1
Tirana, 11.X.1967
DECISION No. 49
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 5.X.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:
For the reason that they have developed hostile activities against the Party’s policy for the collectivization of agriculture and represent a significant social danger, to internecine for 5 years in Gjazë, Lushnje district, the following persons:
- Gani Muharrem Murati, born in 1919, born and residing in the village of Zall-Kalis, Dibër district, by profession a farmer from a poor rural class, self-taught, married, expelled from the Party.
- Sali Ladin Elezi, born in 1950, born and residing in the village of Zall-Kalis in the Dibër district, by profession a farmer from a poor rural background, self-taught, married, has 5 children, sentenced once to 5 years in prison, expelled from the Party.
The internment began on 11.X.1967 and ended on 11.X.1972.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU ————————
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 50 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Tirana, 27.10.1967
DECISION No. 50
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on 27.X.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:
Because he poses a significant risk of escaping abroad, the term of internment of Vasil Stavro Lloja, born in 1917, born in the village of Leshnica, Saranda district, interned by decision No. 83, dated 9.XI.1962, shall be extended for another 5 years.
His internment shall begin on 27.X.1967 and end on 27.X.1972.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU ————————
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 51 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Tirana, 27.10.1967
DECISION No. 51
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 27.X.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 Tpla, Tropoja district, on the grounds that they pose a risk of escaping abroad:
- Gjyle Avdi Leci, born in 1930, born in Kolgecaj and residing in Buçaj, Tropoja district, married, with a 14-year-old son, middle class, housewife.
- Pule Sadik Leci, born in 1872, born and residing in Buçaj, Tropoja district, housewife, mother-in-law of Gjyle.
Gjyla has escaped abroad, her husband, Isuf Zmajl Leci, and her brother-in-law, Shaban Zmajl Leci. On 8.1.1967, her sister-in-law, Shaban Leci’s wife, escaped to Yugoslavia, along with the four sons with whom they lived together.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU ————————
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 52 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA TOP SECRET
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
DECISION No. 52
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 15.XI.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 Seman, Fier district:
- Ahmet Beqo (Nivica), son of Zylfo and Naile, born in 1923, born in Nivica, Tepelena, residing in Fier, former civil servant, with higher education, wealthy class, married, no children.
- Engjëllushe Beqo Shehu, daughter of Syrjai and Fiqrete, born in 1929, born in Tirana, residing in Fier, wealthy class, with secondary education, unemployed, wife of Ahmeti.
The aforementioned represent a social danger.
The internment began on 15.X.1967 and ended on 15.X.1972. Memorie.al
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU ————————
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
Continued in the next issue…
