| This qualitative study focused on the experience of 17 ex-politically persecuted people who were imprisoned or placed in concentration camps in Albania during the communist regime of 1944--1991. The study used a critical hermeneutic participatory research methodology. Participants included men and women from the two major regions of Albania: north and south. Interviews and group conversations were held in Tirana, Mamurras, Lac, Shkodra, and Pogradec.; The primary research finding was that the regime caused considerable psychological damage that continues in the everyday lives of Albanians, and especially among the ex-persecuted. This group continues to feel isolated and neglected. Their psychological pain continues because they feel that even the present government intentionally discriminates against them and their families. The former "Class War" that existed in Albania for 50 years continues to a less severe degree. A number of consultants, written texts, and participants communicated the sense that all Albania was a prison.; The themes that emerged from the narratives were grouped into the following major categories: (a) Albanian ethnic themes; (b) themes of past experience of loss and suffering; and (c) themes of continuing loss and discrimination.; Most of the Albanian ethnic themes revolved around honorable behavior; i.e., nobility of spirit and class, hospitality and generosity to guests and strangers alike, pride and honor toward parents and ancestors, patriotism and nationalism, belief in justice, intelligence and love of education and knowledge, and care for children.; Themes of past experience of loss and suffering emerged as participants provided details about their arrest, investigation, torture, imprisonment, and camp experiences. Their narratives also illuminated previous losses that continue as present concerns: not receiving compensation and property that was confiscated, not being told the location of the remains of deceased relatives, not being honored by the government, not receiving an official apology, having medical problems, living in poverty and housing unfit for human use, seeing former torturers and investigators now working in high positions in the present government, and feeling disappointed in the United States. The study concludes with 18 recommendations developed in collaboration with the participants and the Association of Ex-Politically Persecuted of Albania Anti-Communist. |
