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Hunger strike of former politically persecuted in Albania (2012)

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Hunger strike of former politically persecuted in Albania is a strike that began on September 21, 2012 in Tirana from 20 former political persecuted during the communist years. The strike began only for economic purposes, as seeking that the Albanian government to compensate according to a law passed in 2007 that entitles former political prisoners to 2,000 lek (11.5 euros) for each day they were in prison.

Two strikers, Gjergj Ndreca (51 year) and Lirak Bejko (47 years old) set fire to themselves as a sign of protest against the negligence of state structures. According to doctors, Ndreca has suffered burns to 40% of the body including in the respiratory tract, and has been sent to Greece for treatment, while Bejko has been sent to Italy. Meanwhile the strike has passed its 23rd day and strikers are still struggling to receive support from health and humanitarian organizations, as well as religious institutions. Of primary importance is dry blankets, following recent heavy rains. A third man Gëzim Hamiti also immolated himself in Pogradec in a show of solidarity. [1] Police stopped another protester, Gani Alia, from setting himself on fire.

On September 30, 2012, EU Ambassador to Albania, Ettore Sequi advised the strikers to abandon the way how they are demanding their rights, and that the hunger strike is painful. That day, one of the hunger strikers was admitted to the hospital.

On October 8, 2012, Gergj Ndreca sets himself on fire. [2].

On October 10, 2012, Lirak Bejko sets himself on fire [3].

On October 12, 2012, Albanian President Bujar Nishani met with 11 of the remaining strikers, telling them to "to avoid extreme sacrifices"[4].

On October 14, 2012, Eduard Kukan, head of the European Parliament Delegation said in an interview "I understand they are asking compensation for the sufferings they have endured in the prison of the communist regime. I hope that the government will attend to it and will try to resolve this situation, because when human beings are visibly suffering, it is clearly necessary to take that situation with all seriousness." [5]

On October 13, 2012 the Albanian American Forum for Democracy organized a manifestation of solidarity in New York, in support of the hunger strikers. Former Councillor of the City of New York and friend of the "Albanian American Society" gave a speech showing solidarity with the hunger strikers and urged participants not to remain silent about their cause [6].

On October 14, 81 year old Lavdosh Beqo, a dual French/ Albanian citizen, claimed "We will fast to death and will not let the sacrifice of our two friends who set themselves on fire pass in vain.”

Also on the 14th, only three journalists and a photographer where allowed to visit the strikers’ tent. That day, 50 journalists protested in front of the Prime Minister’s office, denouncing the lack of access to the strike and the government’s refusal to hear the strikers’ demands [7]..

As of October 15, 8 hunger strikers remain at the original camp in Tirana, and have pledged to end their lives for their cause. In Shkodra and Elbasan efforts are under way by other ex-political prisoners to join the strike.

Also on October 15, Prime Minister Berisha called those on strike "nothing but drunkards, gamblers and even criminals" [8] as well as claiming their strike is political and guided by an ordinary criminal who once operated a brothel in Tirana, which brutally exploited women and girls [9]. He continued in saying that "Unfortunately, this group represents only Skender Tufa, Edi Rama, Gramoz Ruci and their benefactors (former President Bamir Topi)” [10]

Striker Vllasi koci who was sent to hospital on October 15 due to health conditions has returned to strike after saying that the ER doctors neglected him.

October 16, ex-political prisoners from Shkodra and Korca have come to Tirana to show their support. Also, US Ambassador Alexander Arvizu visited the strikers tent, and stated "I know that sometimes internationals can play the role of a bridge to facilitate communication. Not to serve as a mediator, but to facilitate some communication." "Of all the places where I worked, I found that Albanian politicians are bad communicators, terrible," he said.[11]

On October 16, Amnesty International calls on the government of Albania to meet with the Association of Former Politically Persecuted Persons, and to establish a dialogue to promptly address their concern. [12]

On October 16, Tirana Police filed a request to Tirana court declaring the hunger strike illegal, as it did not have municipal permission, and that the strikers are a threat to public safety.

October 17, As the hunger strike entered the 26th day, Tirana court ruled it was illegal. [13] The 7 remaining ex-political prisoners were removed in ambulances and plan to continue elsewhere. [14]

References

  1. ^ "I vetëdjeguri i Pogradecit: U solidarizova me grevën në Tiranë". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  2. ^ "Gjergj Ndreca, Albania Ex-Political Prisoner, Sets Himself On Fire = Huffington Post". {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help); Text "http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/08/gjergj-ndreca-albania-political-prisoner-self-fire_n_1948101.html" ignored (help)
  3. ^ "Second former political prisoner sets himself on fire in Albania". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  4. ^ "Albania's president seeks resolution to hunger strike, fires". SETimes. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  5. ^ "Strike a tragic situation". Top Channel. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  6. ^ "Shqiptarët e Amerikës, protestë para OKB-së pro grevistëve të urisë". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  7. ^ "Ex politican prisoners vow fast to death". Balkan Insight. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  8. ^ "berisha-greva-drejtohet-nga-pijanece-bixhozxhinj-e-kriminele-skender-tufa-ngriti-bordello-ne-mes-te-tiranes". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  9. ^ "Greva ish-të burgosurve, Berisha: Është politike, udhëhiqet nga një kriminel ordiner". Gazeta Shekulli. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  10. ^ "Strike led by incriminated people". Top Channel. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  11. ^ "Albanian Government Dialogue". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  12. ^ "ALBANIA: GOVERNMENT SHOULD HONOUR THE RIGHTS OF FORMER POLITICAL PRISONERS". Amnesty International. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  13. ^ "Albania court rules 26 day hunger strike illegal". ABC News. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  14. ^ "The court of Tirana, the decision to suspend hunger strike, illegal". Shekulli. Retrieved 2012-10-17.


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