Internment Decicions in Albania (1944- 1990)

Internment decisions were administrative acts through which the communist regime expelled and isolated thousands of individuals and entire families in designated camps and areas of internment. During the early years of the regime, such measures were often imposed without regular judicial proceedings. After 1955, the system was formalized through the Internment and Expulsion Commission. Internment became an instrument of political repression, affecting not only those considered opponents of the regime but also the relatives of escapees and political prisoners. The practice continued until 1990; the last internment decision is believed to have been issued on 10 February 1990, while on 8 May 1990 the law governing internment and expulsion was repealed.