“Since 6 members of the family have escaped, and given that they pose a pronounced risk of escaping themselves, the commission decided to intern Nikollë Dakaj, along with all…”

By Dashnor Kaloçi

Part six

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. 2 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

                                                        DECISION No. 2

The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 09.01.1967, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

On the grounds of poor political standing and posing a social danger, to intern for a period of 5 years the following persons:

1. Gjergj Vat Marashi, born 1902, born in Oblikë and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Oblikë, Shkodër district.
2. Prenda Martin Marashi, born 1909, his wife, to be interned in the village of Oblikë, Shkodër district.
3. Mark Gjergj Vokrri, born 1911, born in Hajmel and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
4. File Mark Vokrri, born 1912, his wife, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
5. Liza Mark Vokrri, born 1940, his daughter, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
6. Taze Mark Vokrri, born 1942, his daughter, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
7. Lek Mark Vokrri, born 1946, his son, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
8. Ndoc Gjergj Vokrri, born 1905, born in Hajmel and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
9. Prenda Lazër Vokrri, born 1903, his wife, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
10. Rrok Ndoc Vokrri, born 1932, his son, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
11. Çile Ndoc Vokrri, born 1935, his daughter, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
12. Zef Ndoc Vokrri, born 1942, his son, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
13. Rrake Gjergj Vokrri, born 1942, his daughter-in-law, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
14. Gjyste Gjergj Vokrri, born 1908, born in the village of Hajmel and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
15. Kushe Gjergj Vokrri, born 1890, the mother, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
16. Jak Ded Vokrri, born 1932, born in Hajmel and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Hajmel, Shkodër district.
17. Regjina Gac Vokrri, born 1942, his wife, to be interned in Hajmel, Shkodër district.
18. Gjush Mark Vokrri, born 1933, born in Hajmel and residing in Shkodër, to be interned in Hajmel, Shkodër district.
19. Vitore Frano Vokrri, born 1943, his wife, to be interned in Hajmel, Shkodër district.
20. Kol Hil Zeka, born 1898, born in the village of Baçel, Zadrima, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Baçel, Lezhë district.
21. Gjyste Simon Zeka, born 1907, his wife, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
22. Lazër Kol Zeka, born 1933, his son, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
23. Shuka Hil Zeka, born 1903, his sister, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
24. Tile Vas Zeka, born 1934, his daughter-in-law, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
25. Noc Kol Zeka, born 1929, his son, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
26. Prende Prek Zeka, born 1934, his daughter-in-law, to be interned in Baçel, Lezhë district.
27. Zef Ndue Gjonaj, born 1919, born in the village of Thirr, Fani, Kukës district, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the village of Kalimash, Kukës district.
28. Spasenka Zirovka Gjonaj, born 1927, his wife, to be interned in the village of Thirë, Kukës district.
29. Marie Zef Gjonaj, born 1947, his daughter, to be interned in the village of Thirë, Kukës district.
30. Sandër Zef Gjonaj, born 1950, his son, to be interned in the village of Thirë, Kukës district.
31. Agostin Dedë Coku, born 1934, born in Ishull-Lezhë, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
32. Age Kol Coku, born 1934, his wife, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
33. Pashka Ded Coku, born 1930, his sister, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
34. Sokol Dedë Coku, born 1926, born in Ishull-Lezhë, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
35. Dile Gjergj Coku, born 1928, his wife, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
36. Zef Ded Coku, born 1935, his brother, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
37. Gjyzepina Sokol Coku, born 1949, his daughter, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
38. Llesh Tom Coku, born 1914, born in the village of Ishull-Lezhë, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
39. Palina Palok Coku, born 1914, his wife, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
40. Tom Llesh Coku, born 1949, his son, to be interned in Ishull-Lezhë, Lezhë district.
41. Luigj Bardhok Shtinja, born 1924, born in Rrëshen, residing in Shkodër, to be interned in the Rrëshen district.
42. Albina Gjon Shtinja, born 1924, his wife, to be interned in the Rrëshen district.
43. Rufat Tahir Preçi, born and residing in the village of Bardhaj-Reç, Dibër district, to be interned in Bardhaj-Reç, Dibër district.
44. Sotiraq Vasil Sterjo, born 1936, born in Dardhë and residing in Korçë, to be interned in the village of Moglicë, Korçë district.
45. Ollga Spiro Sterjo, born 1912, the mother, to be interned in Moglicë, Korçë district.
46. Marjeta Vasil Sterjo, born 1942, his sister, to be interned in Moglicë, Korçë district.
47. Natasha Vasil Sterjo, born 1948, his sister, to be interned in the village of Moglicë, Korçë district.
48. Shan Shtjefën Goga, born 1909, born in Shirokë, Shkodër district, residing in Shëngjin, Lezhë district, to be interned in the State Agricultural Enterprise (N.B.SH.), Bregu i Matit sector, Lezhë district.
49. Tome Prek Goga, born 1918, his wife, to be interned in the N.B.SH., Bregu i Matit sector, Lezhë district.
50. Aleksandër Shan Goga, born 1942, his son, to be interned in the N.B.SH., Bregu i Matit sector, Lezhë district.
51. Nikolina Shan Gega, born 1948, his daughter, to be interned in the N.B.SH., Bregu i Matit sector, Lezhë district.
52. Kolec Shan Goga, born 1950, his son, to be interned in the N.B.SH., Bregu i Matit sector, Lezhë district.
53. Pertef Sabri Bregu, born 1922, born in Vinçan, Korçë district, residing in Korçë, to be interned in Vinçan, Korçë district.
54. Saxhide Kajmak Bregu, born 1922, his wife, to be interned in Vinçan, Korçë district.
55. Artere Pertef Bregu, born 1947, his daughter, to be interned in Vinçan, Korçë district.
56. Feridun Pertef Bregu, born 1944, his son, to be interned in Vinçan, Korçë district.
57. Behar Pertef Bregu, born 1947, his son, to be interned in Vinçan, Korçë district.

The internment begins on 09.01.1967 and ends on 09.01.1972.

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. 3 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                          Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION           Gr 3. 2 years

Tirana, 9.1.1967

                                            DECISION No. 3

The Commission for Internment and Expulsion convened on 09.01.1967, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs:

DECIDED:

On the grounds that they no longer pose a social danger, to grant early release to:

1. Thoma Vangjel Thanasi, born 1937, from the village of Qenurjo, Sarandë, interned under Decision No. 21, dated 23.12.1962.
2. Ali Medi Guraziu, born 1932, from Frashër, Përmet, interned under Decision No. 48, dated 14.05.1962.
3. Natasha (Fatime) Boci, born 1943, from Vlorë, interned under Decision No. 22, dated 09.05.1966.
4. Hazize Boci, born 1911, from Vlorë, interned under Decision No. 22, dated 09.05.1966.
5. Afërdita Hysen Thaçi, born 1940, from Durrës, interned under Decision No. 22, dated 09.05.1966.
6. Thoma Loli Kalivjoti, born 1929, from Çiflik, Sarandë, interned under Decision No. 62, dated 09.10.1961, and extended by Decision No. 49, dated 09.10.1966, for a 3-year term.
7. Namik Ibrahim Çepani, born 1923, from Drashovicë, Vlorë, interned under Decision No. 29, dated 25.07.1966.
8. Nestrina Naxhi Çepani, born 1929, spouse of Namik.
9. Luiza Çepani, born 1948, daughter of Namik.
10. Bilbil Jaho Leskaj, born 1910, from Drashovicë, Vlorë, interned under Decision No. 29, dated 25.07.1966.
11. Astrit Leskaj, born 1949, son of Bilbil.
12. Lule Fekeçi, born 1909, from Shkodër, interned under Decision No. 19, dated 19.04.1966.

 DECISION NO. 4 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Gr 3. 2 years

Tirana, 9.1.1967

                                                  DECISION No. 4

The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 09.01.1967, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

On the grounds of poor political standing and posing a social danger, to intern for a period of 5 years the following persons:

1. Gani Shaqir Çengu, born 1905, from Shtiqën, Kukës, interned under Decision No. 3, dated 19.03.1963, for a 5-year term; to be transferred from Borsh, Sarandë district, to Gradishtë, Lushnje district.

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. 5 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Gr 3. 2 years

Tirana, 20.I.1967

                                            DECISION No. 5

The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 20.03.1967, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, after studying the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To intern for a period of 5 years in Hajmel, Shkodër district – on the grounds that on 16.01.1967, six members of their family escaped abroad, and that they themselves pose a pronounced risk of escape – the following persons:

1. Nikoll Daka (Dreshaj), son of Luca and Prena, born 1887, born and residing in the village of Rrapshë, Koplik district.
2. Leze Dakaj (Dreshaj), daughter of Toma and Baca, has born 1900, born in Gocaj Budish, Zagor locality, and residing in Rrapshë, spouse of Nikollë.
3. Gjok Dakaj (Dreshaj), son of Nikollë and Lena, born 1927, born and residing in the village of Rrapshë.
4. Gjyste Dakaj (Dreshaj), daughter of Nika and Drande, born 1925, born in Pjetroshan and residing in Rrapshë, Shkodër district, spouse of Gjokë.
5. Mark Dakaj (Dreshaj), son of Nikollë and Lena, born 1930, born and residing in Rrapshë.
6. Gjon Dakaj (Dreshaj), son of Nikollë and Lena, born 1934, born and residing in Rrapshë.
7. Fran Dakaj (Dreshaj), son of Nikollë and Lena, born 1938, born and residing in Rrapshë.
8. Mri Dakaj (Dreshaj), daughter of Nikollë and Lena, born 1945, born and residing in Rrapshë.

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. 6 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION

PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA                                         Secret

COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION          Gr 3. 2 years

Tirana, 1.3.1967

                                                  DECISION No. 6

The Commission for Internment and Expulsion, convened on 01.03.1967, pursuant to the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 02.08.1954, having reviewed the materials and proposals submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,

DECIDED:

To intern in the Lushnje district, Theodhori Fili, son of Aleksi, born 1933, born and residing in the village of Mursi, Sarandë district, a former prisoner for attempted escape and recently released.

In 1954, all members of his family escaped to Greece. Allowing him to remain free in the village of Mursi, Sarandë district, poses a risk of escape.

His internment begins on 01.03.1967 and ends on 01.03.1972, for a 5-year term./Memorie.al

VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION          CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION

KADRI HAZBIU                                                                   ——————-

                                                           MEMBERS

PROSECUTOR GENERAL                    PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT            

DHORI PANARITI                                                                 ARANIT ÇELA

                                         Continued in the next issue…