Albanian Human Rights Project 9000

Sandra Aguilar, Kelsey Raidt

USC Digital Repository

20240125

Contributing Institution: USC Digital Repository

Title: Albanian Human Rights Project,

Identifier/Call Number: /repositories/13/resources/2554

Physical Description: 147 Files Testimonies of Albanians who were politically imprisoned or interned from 1944-1991 during Albania's communist regime. 96 interviews.

Date (inclusive): 2005-2013

Language of Material: Albanian, English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection consists of digital files preserved in the USC Digital Repository. The files are not publicly accessible online. Researchers wishing to request access should email uscdr@usc.edu

Biographical / Historical

"In 1991, at the dawn of the collapse of Albania's communist regime, Rose Dosti accompanied her husband Luan Dosti to Albania to locate and reunite with her husband's siblings after a lapse of 47 years. The seven Dosti siblings, aged 5 to 16 when they were rounded by the Communist regime in 1945, were imprisoned and interned until 1991 as punishment for being the sons and daughters of Hasan Dosti, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and co-founder of Albania's first Democratic party in opposition to the regime. Rose and Luan did not know their whereabouts, or if, in fact, they were alive. All seven siblings by now married with children were located in the Gradisht prison camp, a dilapidated collection of small mud huts with dirt floors with only plastic tarps covering the structure. All the Dostis, then in their 70's and 80's, had spent 47 years in prisons and slave labor camp with only 16 ounces ration of bread per day, an outhouse accommodating 40 families, a water well a mile off, no access to food products, deprivation of all human and civil rights, daily humiliation and terror of punishment. It was soon clear that the Dosti's were not alone and that the story of imprisonment of more than 50,000 Albanian citizens—about 10% of the population every year-- must be told. But how? In 2004, Rose, along with like-minded friends, produced "Prison Nation: Albanian 1943-1990" a 12 minute documentary film to raise awareness in the United States of Albania's little known tragic history of this period. It was clear that a foundation was needed to raise funds to collect and preserve as many testimonies of former political prisoners as possible before their stories were lost. In 2008, the Albanian Human Rights Project (AHRP) was formed with an illustrious Board of Directors including the first American Ambassador to Albania William E. Ryerson, among others. AHRP began its time-sensitive goal of recording testimonies, primarily from survivors in their 70's and 80's, so their stories would not be lost. These testimonies would be accessible as historical documents for scholarly study, education and inspiration. Thus far, 100 DVD testimonies have been filmed and are now preserved at the Albanian Central Archive in Tirana, Albania, as well as the Wende Museum and Archive of the Cold War, in Los Angeles where scholars, through its Open Access online catalog, may study them. Original footage is also digitized and archived at the USC Digital Repository at the University of Southern California for access to scholars globally." As per the 'About AHRP' page of the Albanian Human Rights Project website: https://www.albanianhumanrightsproject.org/learn.

Existence and Location of Originals

This is a digital post custodial collection for preservation. As a post custodial collection, the physical oral histories and supporting archival materials are located at the Wende Museum of the Cold War, 10808 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, California 90230. Researchers wishing to request access the collections should contact research@wendemuseum.org or call 310-216-1600.

Scope and Contents

The original collection received in 2016 contained 134 VHS tapes that were converted to .mp4 files for access copies in the Digital Repository. An additional 15 .mp4 files were added at a later date, resulting in 147 .mp4 files of oral history interviews with 96 former political prisoners.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from oral histories must be submitted in writing to the USC Digital Repository at uscdr@usc.edu. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Digital Repository as the owner of the digital items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Human rights advocacy

Oral History Interviews, 2005-2013

Aladin Alemi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania,

Avni Bejkova, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-06

Lili Belishova, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-12-27

Bardha Bici, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2010-10-11

Bedri Blloshmi, Oral History Interview by Agim Pipa, Albanian Human Rights Project, Librazhd, Albania, 2010-11-13

Dine Dine, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-04

Hyrije Kupi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-05

Tomor Dosti, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2011-03-05

Hajredin Fratari, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-11-10

Ded Markagjoni, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2010-10-11

Uran Kostreci, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-07

Abduraman Kreshpa, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2010-10-10

Reshat Kripa, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-08

Sherif Merdani, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-11-16

Sokol Mirakaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-11-30

Hazis Ndreu, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-29

Apollon Ruben, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-12-30

Rajmond Sejko, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-12-04

Nuredin Shrapari, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-22

Ilia Therecka, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-11-01

Reuf Uruci, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2010-10-09

Dalip Xhabolli, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-11-09

Mazllem Kaso, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-21

Vasil Sylari, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-22

Myslym Toska, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Libofshë, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-23

Neki Dule, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Libofshë, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-27

Pasho Ruci, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-28

Njazi Bylykbashi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-22

Myfit Torelli, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-23

Haki Tare, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-24

Muharem Sina, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-24

Fatima Matjani, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Qeret, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-24

Mark Hoti, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Karavasta, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-25

Nezir Sagajeva, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Baun, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-25

Solli Papa, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Kremishaj, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-25

Qirim Jakupi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Libofshë, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-26

Haxhi Demiraj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lushnjë, Fier, Albania, 2008-12-26

Flutura Jegeni, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2012-10-24

Xhafer Agaraj, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2012-11-05

Qani Sadiku, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2012-11-05

Engjellushe Agaraj, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2012-11-05

Tomor Dosti, Oral History Interview by Rose Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2005

Lek Dosti, Oral History Interview by Rose Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2005

Nezi and Savim Alizoti, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-03-03

Avni Agaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania, 2013-12-21

Bashkim Danaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Durrës, Albania, 2014-03-24

Mark Alia, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Mamurras, Albania, 2013-12-07

Leke Froku, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-03-03

Daut Gumeni, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-02-24

Mihal Davidhi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Monastery of Saint Vlash, Shënavlash, Durrës, Albania, 2014-03-24

Shkelqim Bumci, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2013-12-16

Pranvere Bulka, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2013-12-23

Guido Knopp, Hitler's Henchmen: Speer, The Architect, documentary, History Channel, 1997-10-22

Bab Mondi Brahimaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania,

Bedri Coku, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-19

Kopelman Bar Mitzvah Temple Beth-El, Saint Petersburg, Florida, USA, 2009

Adriatik Agoli, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-08

Myrvete Avdilja, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Elbasan, Albania, 2015-11-08

Vera Bekteshi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-22

Eqerem Capaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania, 2016-01-31

Gezim Cela, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Durrës, Albania,

Leopold Dungu, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Durrës, Albania,

Qemal Elezi, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2015-12-18

Bardho Gjonzenelli, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania,

Agron Hadri, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Durrës, Albania,

Hysen Haxhiaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Durrës, Albania, 2014-10-30

Shpetim Sharra, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania, 2016-01-31

Tom Huli, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Laç, Lezhë, Albania, 2015-12-11

Tanush Kaso, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-03-31

Vasil Kokali, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-03-22

Kurt Kola, Oral History Interview, Albanian Human Rights Project,

Fatmir Lamaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania,

Zydi Leska, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania, 2016-01-30

Lirim Llanaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-29

Hasan Luci, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-08

Xhemil Mecaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Fier, Albania, 2016-01-15

Kristo Mema, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Elbasan, Albania, 2015-11-08

Ded Miri, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Laç, Lezhë, Albania, 2013-12-22

Esat Myftari, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Laç, Lezhë, Albania, 2015-12-11

Fran Ndocaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2015-12-18

Kol Pepa, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2015-12-18

Elez Poga, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2015-11-27

Demir Pojani, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Elbasan, Albania, 2015-11-08

Gani Rotkocori, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2013-11-13

Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Oral History Interview by Tomor Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-04-14

Nazim Selimaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-11-28

Aranit Hoxha, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, 2016-01-30

Skender Shehu, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2014-03-29

Pjeter Shkoza, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Laç, Lezhë, Albania, 2013-12-14

Dom Gjergi Simoni, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2013-12-04

Islam Spahiu, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-22

Dhimitraq Stefaj, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Fier, Albania, 2016-01-15

Prel Syku, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Lezhë, Albania, 2013-12-27

Dom Ernesti Troshani, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Shkodër, Albania, 2015-01-27

Shaban Xhyheri, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Vlorë, Albania, 2016-01-31

Bashkim Shehu, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2015-08-25

Xhomapi Bejkova, Oral History Interview by Fiqiri Sejdiaj, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2010-10-06

Ngjela Spartak, Oral History Interview by Rose Dosti, Albanian Human Rights Project, Tiranë, Albania, 2016-01-29