Hunger strike of former politically persecuted in Albania (2012)

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A hunger strike by former politically persecuted persons of Albania began on 21 September 2012 in Tirana involving 20 people persecuted during the communist years. The strike began for economic purposes, seeking the Albanian government to compensate them according to a law passed in 2007 entitling former political prisoners to 2,000 lek (11.5 euros) for each day they were in prison.

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Two strikers, Gjergj Ndreca (aged 51) and Lirak Bejko (47) 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. A month into the strike, strikers were still struggling to receive support from health and humanitarian organisations, and religious institutions. Of primary importance is dry blankets following heavy rain. 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.

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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". 2012-10-08. Retrieved 2012-10-08.
  3. ↑ "Second former political prisoner sets himself on fire in Albania". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on 2013-01-29. 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. Archived from the original on 2016-02-03. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  6. ↑ "Shqiptarët e Amerikës, protestë para OKB-së pro grevistëve të urisë". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  7. ↑ "Ex politician 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. Archived from the original on 2012-10-17. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  10. ↑ "Strike led by incriminated people". Top Channel. Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. 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.
  15. ↑ "Albanian communist-era dissidents end hunger strike". Reuters. Retrieved 2012-10-22.
  16. ↑ "Albania ex-dissident dies after self-immolation protest". BBC. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  17. ↑ "Topi për Lirak Bejkon: Ishte një hero i demokracisë". Gazeta Tema. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  18. ↑ "PD: Life of Lirak Bejko, a drama finalized for votes by Rama". Albanian National News Agency. Archived from the original on 2013-09-26. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
  19. ↑ "PM condoles family Lirak Bejkos". Klan News. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2012-11-02.
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