By Dashnor Kaloçi
Part One
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.
DECISION NO. 1 OF THE INTERNMENT-DEPORTATION COMMISSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
INTERNMENT-DEPORTATION COMMISSION Group II
Tirana, on 2.I.1972
DECISION No. 1
The Internment-Deportation Commission, gathered on the date 2.I.1972, based on the decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated 2.8.1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs…
DECIDED:
To lift the measure of internment for the following individuals:
- Xhemal Zenel Broja, born in 1920, deported by decision No. 47, dated December 9, 1971.
- Selfixhe Ibrahim Broja, born in 1917, deported by the same decision.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 2 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 2
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
That Ahmet Ramazan Sorra, interned by decision No. 29, dated September 10, 1971, in the village of Dazan in Macukull, Mat district, be transferred to Batërr in Martanesh, within the same district.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
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 Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 3
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they are elements with a poor political standing and pose a social danger, the following persons are to be interned for a period of five years:
- Sokol Ded Çoku, born in 1926, former resident of Shkodër, currently residing in the village of Pirej, Lezhë district; from the wealthy class, 7-year education, married with children, non-party member, no prior convictions.
- Agostin Ded Çoku, born in 1936, primary education, married, no prior convictions; his brother.
Their internment begins on January 9, 1972, and ends on January 9, 1977.
- Yzeir Arif Qejvanaj, born in 1935, born in the village of Orgjost, Kukës district, former resident of Lushnje district; primary education, divorced, carpenter by profession, previously convicted.
To be interned in the Gradishta sector, State Agricultural Enterprise (N.B.SH.) “29 Nëntori,” Lushnje.
His internment begins on January 8, 1972, and ends on January 8, 1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 4 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 4
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because he is a wandering thief and fraudster and poses a social danger, the following individual is to be interned for a period of 5 years in his village of birth:
- Gjon Nikoll Prenga, born in 1940, born and residing in the village of Srriqe, Kukës district; from the poor class, primary education, single, non-party member, previously convicted 4 times for various crimes.
His internment begins on January 9, 1972, and ends on January 9, 1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
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 Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 5
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they are elements with a poor political standing and pose a social danger, the following persons are to be deported for a period of 5 years:
- Dile Gjergj Çoku, born in 1928, former resident of Shkodër, wealthy class, wife of Sokol Çoku, no prior convictions, previously interned with her family in the village of Ishull, Lezhë district, by decision No. 2, dated January 9, 1967, for poor political standing.
- Gjyzepina Sokol Çoku, born in 1949, single, her daughter.
- Age Kol Çoku, born in 1934, no prior convictions, wife of Agostin Çoku.
- Pashke Ded Çoku, born in 1930, single, the sister-in-law.
- Mark Gjergj Vokrri, born in 1911, born in the village of Hajmel, former resident of Shkodër, wealthy class, kulak, married with children, no prior convictions, previously interned with his family in his birthplace by decision No. 2, dated January 9, 1967, for poor political standing, a measure which was converted to deportation by decision No. 29, dated January 2, 1968.
- File Mark Vokrri, born in 1912, his wife.
- Liza Mark Vokrri, born in 1940, his daughter, single.
- Taze Mark Vokrri, born in 1942, his daughter, and single.
- Lec Mark Vokrri, born in 1946, his son, and single.
- Ndoc Gjergj Vokrri, born in 1905, the brother, married.
- Prend Lazër Vokrri, born in 1903, the wife of Leci.
- Rrok Ndoc Vokrri, born in 1932, son of Ndoc.
- Çile Ndoc Vokrri, born in 1935, the daughter.
- Zef Ndoc Vokrri, born in 1942, the son.
- Rrake Gjergj Vokrri, born in 1942, daughter-in-law of Ndoc.
- Gjyste Gjergj Vokrri, born in 1908.
- Jak Ded Vokrri, born in 1932.
- Rexhina Gac Vokrri, born in 1942, wife of Jaku.
- Gjysh Mark Vokrri, born in 1933.
- Vitore Franc Vokrri, born in 1933, wife of Gjyshi.
For all the aforementioned persons, the deportation begins on January 9, 1972, and ends on January 9, 1977.
They are prohibited from residing in or traveling to the city of Shkodër and its border zones, as well as the districts of Tirana, Durrës, Elbasan, Vlorë, and all border districts of the Republic.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
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 Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 6
The Internment-Deportation Commission, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1902, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To lift the measure of internment-deportation for the following individuals:
- Estref Riza Lame, born in 1888, wealthy class, kulak, former resident of Korçë; interned with his family in the village of Rrëmbec by decision No. 29, dated July 16, 1968, for a period of 5 years, due to poor political standing.
- Hysen Baki Meta, born in 1940, born and residing in Tirana, middle class (craftsman background), single, no prior convictions; interned with his family in Gradishta, Lushnje, in 1965, because his two brothers escaped abroad. In 1968, his internment was converted to deportation, and in 1970, this measure was renewed for another 3 years.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 7 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 6.I.1972
DECISION No. 7
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they are persons with a poor moral standing and pose a social danger, the following individuals are to be deported for a period of 5 years:
- Gjyste Rrok Makaj, born in 1922, from Shkodër, currently residing in the village of Nënshat, Shkodër district; from the poor class, no prior convictions, worker, widow.
- Zef Kol Makaj, born in 1942, with a 7-year education, no prior convictions, her son.
Their deportation begins on January 9, 1972, and ends on January 9, 1977.
They are prohibited from residing in or traveling to the city of Shkodër and its border zones, as well as the districts of Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Elbasan, and all border districts.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 8 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 7.I.1972
DECISION No. 8
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To transfer from the village of Trush to Katund i Ri, in the Bushat area of the Shkodër district, the following individuals:
- Marash Kol Malocaj
- Pashko Llesh Malocaj, interned by decision no. 10, dated February 14, 1968.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 9 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 7.I.1972
DECISION No. 9
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on January 6, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they are elements with a poor political past, have a father who has escaped abroad, and pose a social danger, the following individuals are to be interned for a period of 5 years:
- Fatmir Qani Toro, born in 1944, born in Tirana and residing with his family in the village of Kurjan, Fier district; from the wealthy class, 7-year education, married, non-party member, no prior convictions.
- Ilqezar Qani Toro, born in 1947, 7-year education, non-party member, no prior convictions, single; his brother.
Their internment begins on January 8, 1972, and ends on January 8, 1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 10 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.II.1972
DECISION No. 10
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on February 3, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
Because they pose a social danger, and since on January 10, 1972, his brother attempted to kill his [omitted] and fled to an unknown destination, the following individuals are to be interned for a period of 5 years in the village of Mullet, Tirana district:
- Azem Marku, born in 1942, born in the village of Gur-Kalis, Kukës district, resident of the city of Tirana; middle class, primary education, married, has three children.
- Sadije Marku, born in 1942, primary education, married, no prior convictions, unemployed; the wife of Azem.
The internment begins on February 3, 1972, and ends on February 3, 1977.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 11 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.II.1972
DECISION No. 11
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on February 3, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To transfer from Manëza, Durrës district, to the village of Gomsiqe, Shkodër district, the individual named:
- Xhemal Ali Hebovia, interned by decision No. 64, dated May 23, 1968.
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
DECISION NO. 12 OF THE COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF ALBANIA Secret
COMMISSION ON INTERNMENT AND EXPULSION Group II
Tirana, 3.II.1972
DECISION No. 12
The Internment-Deportation Commission, convened on February 3, 1972, based on the Decree of the Presidium of the People’s Assembly, No. 1906, dated August 2, 1954, after examining the proposals and materials submitted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs,
DECIDED:
To transfer from the village of Bardhoj to Gomsiqe, Shkodër district, the following individuals, interned by decision no. 24, dated May 25, 1968:
- Adem Mustafa Koro
- Gani Hysen Mehmeti
- Hil Mash Gjoni
- Halil Rrahim Ballkezi
- Lush Ndoc Bari
- Qazim Rustem Çela
- Vat Martin Martini (Shyti)/Memorie.al
VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMISSION
KADRI HAZBIU BEQIR BALLUKU
MEMBERS
DHORI PANARITI ARANIT ÇELA
Continued in the next issue…
