Dashnor Kaloçi
Part twelve
Memorie.al publishes the unknown story of Aleksandër Kondos, the Albanian weightlifting legend who lost his life at the age of 27 in tragic and still completely unexplained circumstances, during a car accident in Queens New York, USA, where he was placed as a political emigrant after fleeing Albania in May 1985, staying in Yugoslavia at the time, after the national team returned from the European Weightlifting Championships held in Poland in those days. The complete voluminous file of the former State Security in charge of Aleksandër Kondos, declassified by the Authority for Information of the files of the former State Security, containing hundreds of pages belonging to the period from 1981 when the operational pursuit and surveillance of regularly against him by the secret services of the communist regime, until 1987, when that file was finally archived, after his tragic death.
In Tirana in the early ’80s, not only for many sports fans but also beyond the young people of the Albanian capital, a young man stood out and stood out, then at the age of 20, as for his portrait and physique , as well as for the appearance, with the clothes of foreign fashion, who in his arms carried the sports bag that he never took off from his shoulder and on the other side, a big radio-tape recorder, which he brought from abroad when going out with the national weightlifting team in international activity. He was Aleksandër Kondo, a member of the “Dinamo” weightlifting team of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (where at that time he served as a senior soldier in the Republic Guard, also his father), and also of the national team, which at that time, thanks to the differentiated assessment and treatment of the communist regime in power in some serious sports, had achieved high results in the international arena.
The name of Aleksandër Kondo as an athlete began to become more and more famous, especially after his high results achieved in 1984, in the Sports Palace “Partizani” of the capital, when he fixed the figures 200 kg. (in the style of pushing) electrifying thousands of sports fans, (that day more spectators were outside the sports palace than inside it), who under numerous applause, did not leave the square in front of the palace, without seeing that guy up close, who had amazed them with his results and performance. Since that day, Sander Kondo almost became a myth in Tirana and Albania of that time, as his results came ever higher, not only in national championships, but also in the international arena where he consistently had high results. .
But much more than this period of time when Sander Kondo, was at the peak of his career, his name became even more famous and began to be discussed throughout the country, at the end of May 1985, when during an international event in the framework of the European Weightlifting Championship that took place in Warsaw, Poland, (where he lifted 210 kg.), Kondo did not return to Albania, but together with his teammate, Xhelal Sukniqi from Shkodra, from Montenegro went to Belgrade, waiting to gain political asylum in the US.
The event of the escape of two Albanian athletes caused a great commotion not only because of the great name and fame that Aleksandër Kondo had at that time, but also because that event became the object of “quarrel” between Albania and Yugoslavia, as official Tirana at that time publicly accused (in the newspaper “Zeri i Popullit”), the Yugoslav authorities, saying that the two Albanian athletes had been abducted by the Yugoslav secret services (UDB) and demanded their return home.
But that claim of official Tirana had nothing real, as Kondo and Sukniqi denied it in the meeting that took place in Belgrade, between the representatives of the Albanian embassy and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, of the Yugoslav side, where Sander Kondo, after cursing the communist regime of Enver Hoxha again and again, tried to hit the Albanian diplomat with an ashtray, insisting that he should return to Albania, where his family and the whole society were waiting for him.
After that, Sander Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi gained political asylum in the USA, where Sukniqi is still, while Kondo lost his life in a car accident on May 1, 1987, (always according to the official version of the communist regime of that time). ), and his remains were returned to Albania in 2003.
All these have already been known for years, as much has been written about Aleksandër Kondo as the legend of Albanian weightlifting and his father, Vangjel Kondo, has given several interviews in both print and visual media, and even made some television documentaries, for all his life and history, until the day he parted from this life. But again, the “Alexander Kondo case” has not yet been fully uncovered, especially the part related to his tragic death which continues to remain shrouded in mystery, as well as the surveillance of him by the Security of The Albanian State and its segments since 1981, which was made public for the first time by the Authority for Information of the Former State Security Files, headed by Mrs. Gentjana Mara Sula, who in 2018, handed over the file to the Kondo family, or more precisely to his father, Vangjel Kondo.
In that file that Mr. Vangjel Kondo has trusted him exclusively for the publication of Memorie.al, the light is shed and it is known, the evaluation, treatment and all the surveillance and persecution, which was done at that time by the communist regime of Enver Hoxha, one of the most voice of Albania, such as Aleksandër Kondo, who was well known in the international arena. Based on this fact, Memorie.al will publish the complete file in question (with the relevant facsimiles), in some issues of the dossier section.
Continued from the previous issue
State Security report with orientations for their agent in New York with the code “6403”, how he will behave and the conversations he should have with Aleksandër Kondon and Xhelal Sukniqi
Letter No.172 / 6
APPROVED
“Volcano”
A.REZ.PERSONAL
Single copy
Position on 28.7.1986
CONTINUE TO BEHAVE WITH THE SOURCE “6403” TO CONSUME IT WITH THE Fugitives ALEXANDER KONDO AND XHELAL SUKNIQI
It has been confirmed by various sources that recently, newly arrived fugitives from our country, Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, who were kept and processed by UDB for a period of 8 months there, have arrived and settled here. .
To find out about the real reasons for their escape, the motives and instigators, the attitudes and actions of the Yugoslav Intelligence towards them, if they were recruited, the tasks assigned to them, what is the purpose of A. Kondo’s call to our mission, and what hides behind the “repentance” for escape and the “desire” to return home. As well as the attitude, treatment and orders of the local authorities here, the source “6403” will be directed to them, who will be given this line of conduct:
Under the pretext of learning any news about his people in our country and about the situation with us, through ………………………, to seek to meet the aforementioned fugitives in their place of residence.
In the first meeting where he can be present …………………………… .., the source should not be opened too much from the beginning, to be warm and preoccupied with their situation, to comfort them about the situation spiritual, where each of them are, when they arrive at a new place. Then, to expose in front of them, the intention to take interest in his people in our country, who have been interned and so far there is no news about them.
In the first meeting, the conversation should be only about social problems and he should show his commitment to help them stabilize at work, as he has helped others, and as they helped him when he came here. To be interested in how they are going here, if someone has helped them and to talk well about immigration. And as usual, invite them to his bar after a few days, just the two of them, and after having a drink, have this conversation with them:
To be interested in the situation in Albania, in their economic situation there, noting that they must have lived well there, that they were trusted people of the government, while they were taken out with the sport and in this case habit and a certain suspicion that they are not here, sent by the Albanian Security, as is often said in emigration for any young fugitives and even more so for those who have been associated with the government. If they understand his subtext, tell them not to take him for granted and that he was joking.
Ask for details of the motives behind the escape, who prompted them, stay in Yugoslavia, explaining at the same time his own vicissitudes of escape and stay abroad, before stabilizing here, adding in this case the proposals made to return as a saboteur to Albania and his rejection.
Also to be asked about the subsequent proposals to carry out sharp acts against Albania, but which he did not accept, not because he did not hate the communist regime, but for fear that the Albanian Security would find out and hurt them by entering in prison, the people they had left in Albania. In the context of this warm and social story, ask them if they know anything about his people in the country, if other measures have been taken against them and tell them that for everything we do here, they take and the Albanian Security, which is ruthless, takes our people by the neck.
To tell them that in most cases, those who take any action against Albania, do not have family ties, or have them far away there. Likewise, to advise them to get to work and not to take bad paths and in this case to express once again his readiness and warmth, to help them to settle down as soon as possible, to order them to get into immigration worries, start families and tactfully ask them about their thoughts and plans for the future.
If anyone promised to help them and mention the comment made by the legalists on their radio, which in fact hurts them, especially their people in Albania, to ask if they really gave an interview to the Zogists, or what they gave was a fabrication of theirs. Also determine exactly their economic situation, the attitude they currently hold towards the homeland, if anyone has encouraged them to take sharp actions and advise them to think carefully about everything they do, because immigration swallows them.
It is true that there are good people to help, but there are also bad people to use as a tool for their own interests. Advise them never to admit that they will take not only themselves but also their families. So get to work and the road without vices.
In this spirit, the source always treats them, keeps them close and has them under constant control. In this way, he can gain their trust, and learn everything about the plans and thoughts they have.
OPERATIONAL WORKSHOP
“CHERRY”
Took out for A. Kondon and Xh. Sukniqin
DIRECTOR OFFICER
N. Gj.
Information Officer Information on the Refusal of Alexander Kondos to Give an Interview for Radio Legal in New York
Taken from P.op. B.S.
From the source “6402”
New York 23.3.1986
Tirana on 9.9.1986
Information
According to R.S. and P.M., Aleksandër Kondo, refused to be interviewed by Legalitet radio, for fear that something might happen to the people in Albania. He has stated that: orally I tell you everything you will want, but I do not give you an interview. He also talked about the meeting that took place in Belgrade, between him and Xh. Sukniqi, with representatives at the Albanian Embassy in Belgrade. Alexander told them that: “even if you lay me down with gold, I will not return to Albania”. According to W., they are in a very bad state and depression because they thought that in the US, they would find everything paved.
Dismissed the Leading Officer
N. Gj.
Report of the Chief Officer of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, regarding the conversation that the Albanian Intelligence agent had in New York with the code “6403”, with Kondo and Sukniqi
SECRET
Examples no
Tirana on 9.9.1986
Provided by source “6403”
Took out P.op. B. S.
New York on 19.5.1986
Information
In an effort to carry out the task at hand, he met with A. Kondon and the source, paid a visit to his new residence, at: 611 (ap 6 / a 141 street Broadway avenue) in Manhattan. And with the common phone number 483-63-28 in the Neighborhood of Blacks, where he has stabilized …………………………, recently. Since he did not find him there that day, he met a Polish fugitive, who lived in an adjoining room, and asked him about it. The Pole stated that Sandri and Xhelali both live in the same room, but do not always sleep there. And that that flat was very dirty and they scattered to sleep with their friends.
On May 13, 1986, our source met with Alexander Kondon., and the two dined together in a Greek restaurant, where they talked for about 3 hours. There was more talk about social problems, living and immigration difficulties. Although in a discussion about Albania, none of them cursed or silenced political life.
Alexander, spoke contemptuously of N.K. and for the other Zogists who, according to him, had promised to help him but left him in the middle of the road and finally stabilized him in a house among blacks. And all this, only that he refused to give an interview against Albania.
Alexander said that he had started work in a ……………………… .., on B Avenue 42 Street, where he had arranged …………………………, where the latter also works there himself and has been able to provide good income from the tips people leave. According to Sandri, his concern is to raise money and together with Xhelal, find a rented apartment and a better job, with an abundant income.
From the conversation that took place with ………………………., He did not express any hostility against Albania. But rather, he showed concern for securing additional income in the amount of $ 15,000 he could have saved while working there, and he sought to invest it at a very good profit.
He said he lived in Brooklyn, with his brother and widow …………………, but in the meantime is trying to find a building in Astoria! …………………………… Has bought his own car. During this time, the source has had physical and telephone contacts with him and has not noticed any of his movements. Likewise, he has not expressed any action against Albania in any form! …………………………… as always live well and are work related boys. They too have bought their own car.
DIRECTOR OFFICER
N. Gj.
Relation to the information of the resident of the Albanian Intelligence in New York, regarding the conversations he had with Kondo and Sukniqi and their movements and locations
Secret
Specimens No. 1
Tirana on 12.8.1986
Information
(Taken from the operational note dated 28.7.1986 of the New York residence)
Recently, two Albanian athletes, Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, who now live separately, have settled here. The first to the hotel, while the second to some of his friends from Shkodra, who had recently fled Albania. Alexander still stays in the hotel and is paid 50 dollars a week, by the local immigration authorities, because as soon as he came here the first weeks, he stayed at to!
According to the rules for foreign refugees, the local authorities pay them for a certain period of time, until they find work and shelter and if this period passes, then they have no obligation to the fugitives. So Xhelali, after filling the allotted time, was expelled from the hotel and cut off his financing, which forced him to go and sleep with his friends from Shkodra. As for Alexander, he has some time left to stay in the hotel.
According to …………………………, Alexander had told him that in the first days of his arrival here, the Zogist districts through ……………………… .. Who had been waiting for him and were interested in him, had tried to persuade him for an interview and featured him on “Voice of America” and “Voice of the Fatherland,” but Alexander had categorically refused. In fact, he had talked to them during dinner, which treated them as they treat any fugitive, but he had not given an interview. He was very upset and angry when the Zogists mentioned his name on their radio.
For this, 10 days ago, he was full of thoughts to return to Albania, taking into account any consequences, but then he changed his mind, for fear of a severe punishment. Together with Xhelal, they are trying to find a cheap apartment to rent and stabilize with work to earn a living. He is very depressed and upset by the situation he found here after expecting something else.
Sometimes he spoke badly about the regime in Albania, but we advised him to look at his troubles and think about the people he left there. We told him that he has no reason to curse the communist regime in Albania; because he lived as an accountant and had gone abroad all the time, he had seen the world with his own eyes and he had to understand that living abroad is difficult.
Reports of the Operational Worker with the testimonies received from the resident of the Albanian Intelligence in the USA, with the code “6110”, regarding the conversations and movements of Kondo and Sukniqi there
Secret
Examples No. 1
Tirana on 17.9.1986
Received P.op. M.Gj.
Source provided “6110”
Dated 12.3.1986
Information
According to A. D. and M. G. The new fugitives, Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, have settled in New Jersey at ———house in Tirana, while they have not yet found work. They are helped by their friends, who are interested in finding a job as soon as possible. A. Kondo, speaks badly about the situation in Albania, where according to him there is no food, no women, people are not free, etc.
While Xhelali does not speak before. Aleksandri said that he almost suffered badly in Yugoslavia, where after he hit a policeman, he was kept in prison for a while but then released. Alexander is a stubborn, arrogant, immature man ……………………………… .., they advise him not to deal with these matters and to look after his own troubles.
According to them, Alexander, for now, remains in a position of hostility and hatred for the regime in Albania and is almost not interested in the people he has left there. He has not spoken about any concrete action against Albania and its people here and has not made any move outside his residence.
Operational Workshop
D. M.
Secret
Specimens No. 1
Tirana on 18.9.1986
Taken from P.op. M.Gj.
Source given “6120”
Dated 20.5.1986
I n f o r m a t i o n
The fugitives, Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, continue to be in New York, but live separately from each other. Xhelali lives in Brooklyn and works as a cleaner in a building while Alexander is still out of work. It was arranged by N.K. in an apartment in Harlem. Rather associated with I.P and N.P. The source said that Alexander, is dissatisfied with N.K. who has put her in an apartment and who is not arranging it for work. Most often goes to the bar of R.D. He pointed out that Aleksandri continues to speak very badly about the situation in Albania, while Xhelali is very reserved.
Operational Workshop
D.M.
Secret
Examples No. 2
Tirana on 18.9.1986
Received P.op. M.Gj.
Source provided “6110”
Dated 12.5.1986
I n f o r m a t i o n
According to the fugitives A.D., Aleksandër Kondo and Xhelal Sukniqi, are in a very bad economic and spiritual condition. They constantly curse ………………………., who, unlike the other fugitives he is interested in, has housed them in an apartment in the filthy “Harlem” neighborhood of blacks.
He has not found a job and is not even interested in this problem at all. According to them, ……………………………, depended on them because they categorically refused to give an interview on Zogist radio or “Voice of America” against Albania. Both athletes are now quite desperate and remorseful for what they did./Memorie.al
Operational Workshop
D. M.
