By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part eight
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. 20 OF THE COMMISSION FOR INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group 2/A
Tirana, 3.1.1967
DECISION No. 20
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on January 3, 1967, pursuant to Paragraph II of Article 3 of the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the personal share of assets belonging to Tod Marku, from the village of Xeng in the Lushnja district, who, on September 27, 1966, defected to Yugoslavia.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 21 – OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group 2/A
Tirana, 3.I.1967
DECISION No. 21
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.1.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the property, of the part belonging to Tef Shan Goga, from Shëngjin, Lezhë district, who on 27.9.1966, escaped to Yugoslavia.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 22 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group 2/A
Tirana, 3.I.1967
DECISION No.22
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.1.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the property, of the part belonging to Mezan Shaban Fejzo and Kasem Rrushit Sejko, from the district of Saranda, who on 6 September 1866, escaped to Greece. The internment begins on 28.03.1967 and ends on 28.03.1972.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 23 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group 2/A
Tirana, 3.I.1967
DECISION No. 23
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 3.1.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the property, of the part that belongs to them, of the following persons:
- Nikolla Thoma Koçi, born in 1941, from the village of Shëndre, Saranda district.
- Vangjel Spiro Konomi, born in 1942, from the village of Dhivër, Saranda district.
The aforementioned, in January 1967, in collaboration with each other, betrayed the Fatherland, fleeing abroad, to Greece.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 23 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group 2/A
Tirana, 29.III.1967
DECISION No. 23
Komisioni i Internim-Dëbimeve, i mbledhur me datën 29.3.1967, në bazë të paragrafit të II-të të nenit 3 të dekretit të Presidiumit të Kuvendit Popullor, Nr. 1906, datë 2.8.1954,
VENDOSI:
Konfiskimin e pasurisë, të pjesës që u takon, të personave të poshtëshënuar:
- Nikolla Thoma Koçi, i datëlindjes 1941, nga katundi Shëndre i rrethit Sarandë.
- Vangjel Spiro Konomi, i datëlindjes 1942, nga katundi Dhivër i rrethit Sarandë.
Të përmendurit, në janar 1967, në bashkëpunim me njeri tjetrin, kanë tradhtuar Atdheun, duke u arratisur jashtë shtetit, në Greqi.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 24 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Grupi 2/A
Tirana, 18.V.1967
DECISION No. 24
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 18.5.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the property, of the part belonging to, Kasem Rexhep Hoxha, born in 1940, born and residing in the village of Panaja, Vlora district, who on 29.1.1967, being a soldier, fled abroad, to Greece.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 25 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Grupi 2/A
Tirana, …..1967
DECISION No. 25
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on…/…1967, pursuant to paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
The confiscation of the property of Bajram Hazir Haxhia from the village of Papaj, Tropojë district, who on 23.5.1967, fled abroad, to Yugoslavia, with all his family members.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 26 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Grupi 2/A
Tirana, 5.8.1967
DECISION No. 26
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 5.8.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954,
DECIDED:
- The confiscation of the property of Ahmet Eqrem Kllojka, from the village of Borje in the Kukës district, who on 16.4.1967, fled abroad to Yugoslavia, with all his family members.
- The confiscation of the property of Fehim Mehmet Jonuzi, from the village of Borje in the Kukës district, who on 16.4.1967, fled abroad to Yugoslavia, with all his family members.
- Confiscation of the property of Fehim Mehmet Jonuzi, from the village of Borje in the Kukës district, who on 16.4.1967, fled abroad, to Yugoslavia, with all his family members.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 27 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 29.8.1967
DECISION No. 27
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 29.8.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 29.8.1954,
DECIDED:
- The confiscation of the property of the part belonging to Thanas Kristo Mërtiri, born in 1915, born and residing in Kudhës, Vlorë, on the grounds that on 31 March 1967, he fled abroad, to Greece.
- The confiscation of the property of Kozma Kristo Çani, born in 1941, born and residing in Pilur, Vlorë district, on the grounds that on 13 November 1966, he fled abroad, to Greece. There are no family members.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 28 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 29.8.1967
DECISION No. 28
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 29.8.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 29.8.1954,
DECIDED:
- The confiscation of the property of the part belonging to Jorgji Filip Ziut, born in 1915, born in Lushnje and resident in the city of Durrës, for the reason that on 18.7.1967, while on duty in Trieste, Italy, he escaped from the Motor Boat “Sazani” and remained in Italy.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 29 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 11.9.1967
DECISION No. 29
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 11.9.1967, based on paragraph II of article 3 of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 29.8.1954,
DECIDED:
- The confiscation of the property of the part belonging to Spiro Llazi Sherkos, born in 1940, born and residing in the village of Vernik, Korça, on the grounds that on 22.XII.1967, he fled to Greece.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 30 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 11.9.1967
DECISION No. 30
The Internment-Expulsion Commission, convened on 31.5.1967, in support of the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 29.8.1954, after studying the materials and the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To internecine for 5 years in Memaliaj, Tepelena district, Maliq Levzat Skëndulin, born in 1923, born in Gjirokastër and resident in Tirana, poor class, with a working profession, unemployed, divorced, has a child born in 1955.
The above-mentioned does not maintain a good attitude. Often, without any basis, he insults various people and with the aim of discrediting them, accuses cadres, calling them deserters, traitors, ballistas, etc. Recently, he has expressed himself in a hostile manner against the people’s government.
The internment began on 31.5.1967 and ended on 31.5.1972. Memorie.al
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
PROSECUTOR GENERAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT
LEFTER GOGA ARANIT ÇELA
Continued in the next issue…
