Recognized as a victim of political persecution – Court Decision No. 1091, Gjirokastër, December 13, 1993
Born in 1929 in Lazarat, Gjirokastër, Nelo Matush Gjini was the son of Matush Gjini, a renowned patriot who fought for Albania’s territorial integrity. Matush participated in the defense of Janina in 1913 with the Lazarat militia, responding to the call of Ismail Qemali’s government to protect southern lands at all costs. He also fought in the Vlora War of 1920, again joining the Lazarat militia. After losing his wife at a young age, Matush raised five children—Salo, Gjylso, Shero, Shaban, Nelo —with deep values of patriotism and dignity.
Nelo completed primary school in his village and was known for his intelligence, humility, and agility. His love for the homeland was evident during the night of July 18, 1944, when the 8th Partisan Brigade attacked Lazarat. At just 17 years old, Nelo fought bravely alongside fellow villagers. His courage did not go unnoticed, but the Communist regime later targeted him for refusing to join its structures.
In March 1957, while working as a shepherd in Kakodhiq, Delvinë, Nelo was arrested by police forces. His lifeless body was discovered by a fellow villager. During the traditional mourning in the women’s room, Serian Xheviti (Ahmeti) brought his son Arif and said:
“Today you will witness the truth about Nelo Gjini’s death. I will undress him, and you will see where the largest wound is.” Arif later testified: “The bullet hole in the chest was much larger than the one in the back.” Serian told him: “You are 20 years old today. One day you must speak about what you saw. Never forget it.”
After the fall of communism, in 1993, Arif Ahmeti gave his testimony before the court. On December 13, 1993, the Gjirokastër Court officially recognized Nelo Gjini’s death as politically motivated, caused by the forces of the Communist dictatorship.
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