ALBANIA: Most Sigurimi Files Destroyed

A large number of communist-era files kept in Albania's former secret police agency Sigurimi have been destroyed.

Two former chiefs of Albania's National Intelligence service SHIK, Sigurimi's successor, said most files have been already destroyed. The statement comes after the announcement of Socialists' leader Edi Rama to submit a draft-law on opening of classified files of Sigurimi.

Bashkim Gazidede, former chief of SHIK during Democrats' rule, told Tirana's daily Panorama that secret services had destroyed most important files run by Sigurimi, a product of Dictator Enver Hoxha.

Fatos Klosi, the former chief of Albania's secret service during Socialists' rule, claims that most important files had been destroyed during Gazidede's tenure.

Given the circumstances, it's not possible to make a real judgment on communist-era wrongdoings in Albania, as number of files are missing.

Social-Democrats leader Skender Gjinushi was the first to announce that most files had been destroyed, citing sources in secret service.

During the latest session of parliament, Prime Minister Sali Berisha called for opening of Sigurimi files. The opposition deputies backed the move.
Source: Makfax