Historical Context of Torture and Repression in Communist Albania
In communist Albania, the dictatorship never denied the nature of its activities. In the first years after the Second World War, the exercise of this dictatorship was not even formally legalized. It operated openly in complete violation of fundamental human freedoms. Numerous political trials, forced internments, and population relocations from one region to another caused not only immense suffering but also a profound social distortion within the country.
The restriction of human freedoms intensified continuously and became a defining element of the regime itself. The survival of the regime was directly linked to the systematic repression of individuals labeled as “enemies of the people,” whose lives and rights were severely restricted.
In 1948, the first operational platform of the internal affairs bodies was introduced, regulating the intelligence and operational duties of these institutions. From the text of this platform, it becomes evident that torture had already become an institutionalized tool. Total control over perceived opponents was ensured through policies of repression, including imprisonment, internment, deprivation of liberties, and the use of coercive methods to achieve the objectives set by the organs of the dictatorship.
The Party of Labour of Albania functioned as the sole political authority directing the activities of the State Security and other institutions of the dictatorship.
On 5 July 1950, through amendments to the constitution, the Party of Labour was formally established as the only political force leading the political life of the country. Article 21 stated:
“The most active and conscious citizens of the working class and other working masses unite in the Party of Labour of Albania, the organized vanguard of the working class and of all working people in their struggle for the construction of the foundations of socialism in both social and state life.”
Later, the Constitution of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, adopted by Law No. 5506 of 28 December, declared:
The People’s Socialist Republic of Albania is a state of the dictatorship of the proletariat, expressing and defending the interests of all working people.
The People’s Socialist Republic of Albania is based on the unity of the people around the Party of Labour of Albania and on the alliance between the working class and the cooperative peasantry under the leadership of the working class.
The Party of Labour of Albania, the vanguard of the working class, is the only political leading force of the state and society.
In the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania, the ruling ideology is Marxism-Leninism. On the basis of its principles, the entire socialist social order develops.
The People’s Socialist Republic of Albania continuously develops the revolution by adhering to the principle of class struggle and aims to ensure the final victory of the socialist path over the capitalist one, achieving the complete construction of socialism and communism.
Under this constitutional framework, class struggle became a constitutional principle. This principle justified the dictatorship of the proletariat as a form of repression by the communist class against the so-called “overthrown classes.” The entire concept of “law” within the communist state was built upon this principle. Consequently, the repression of perceived enemies—whether inside or outside prisons—was considered a primary duty of the state.
According to the operational platform of the internal affairs bodies, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was described as “one of the main instruments of the dictatorship of the proletariat,” tasked with defending the “people’s power and the interests of the people” from the “internal and external enemies of the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania.” The Ministry was primarily composed of the State Security (Sigurimi), the People’s Police, and the border and pursuit forces.
The specialized institution responsible for organizing and implementing repression was the State Security (Sigurimi). For Enver Hoxha, officers of the State Security were considered party workers who were required to conduct, in a systematic and organized manner, the struggle against the so-called “enemy elements.”
Individuals categorized as such by the Party of Labour included:
- Persons who had held state positions before 1944
- Families considered middle-class or wealthy
- Individuals educated abroad
- Persons imprisoned or interned for political reasons
- Individuals labeled as “anti-party elements,” meaning former communists—whether with or without significant functions—who were later condemned by the party itself
For many of these individuals, punishment extended along biological lines, affecting not only the person accused but also their children, grandchildren, and descendants. This practice was known as the “policy of repression”, functioning within the broader ideological framework of class struggle.
Methods of Torture Used by the State Security
During the communist regime in Albania, the State Security (Sigurimi) and other state institutions systematically used both psychological and physical torture against individuals considered political opponents.
Psychological Torture
Psychological pressure was widely used against families and individuals labeled as enemies of the regime. This included social discrimination, denial of education, forced relocation to remote areas, and discriminatory employment.
Physical Torture
Physical torture was carried out mainly by State Security officers, investigators, and police authorities. It was used against detainees, prisoners, and individuals under investigation to force confessions or collaboration.
Common forms included:
- Severe beatings and physical abuse
- Forced labor in mines, construction, and heavy industry
- Harsh prison conditions, including inadequate food, clothing, and housing
- Extreme disciplinary measures within prisons and internment camps
Prison guards and police officers often used violence to enforce prison rules or work quotas.