Nationalist, Humanist, and a Symbol of Anti‑Fratricidal Values in Lazarat
This page is part of the historical and cultural archive of Lazarati.org. It honors a figure who embodies the values of honor, humanity, and tolerance in the history of Lazarat.
Overview
Hysni Pollo (1898–1981) was a Lazarat-born nationalist leader and respected community figure during the Second World War. He is remembered for his role in resistance against foreign occupation. Above all, he is celebrated for his humanitarian conduct. He firmly opposed internal Albanian fratricidal violence. His life shows a core part of Lazarat’s historical and moral legacy.
Early Life and Family Background
Hysni Pollo was born in 1898 in Lazarat, into a well‑known patriotic and socially influential family. His father, Isuf Pollo, owned land in Greshicë (Mallakastër) and was a member of the local council of elders. Isuf Pollo participated in the War of Vlora in 1920. He was a member and served as deputy commander of the Lazarat fighting unit. His grave in Greshicë is still known today by locals as “The Grave of Isuf Aga.”
After completing primary education, Hysni Pollo attended the Commercial School of Vlora. It was one of the most prestigious schools of the time. He later continued his studies in Italy. Upon returning to Albania, he settled in Gjirokastër. There, he worked as a merchant. He became well connected socially and economically. Between 1936 and 1940, he also served as head elder (kryeplak) of Lazarat.
World War II and the Nationalist Movement
In 1940, Hysni Pollo was interned by the Greek army to the island of Mytilene (Lesbos). After the German occupation of Greece, he managed to escape and returned to Lazarat.
The formation of the Balli Kombëtar (National Front) in southern Albania marked a significant event. Hysni Pollo took a key role in organizing and leading the Lazarat fighter unit. He was influenced by the Zallit Tekke and figures like Dervish Rexhepi. He was elected a member of the Balli Kombëtar Military Staff for the Vlora–Gjirokastër region. He also served as a political leader for southern Albania.
Under his leadership, the Lazarat unit took part in actions against Italian occupying forces in areas including:
- Çepo
- Uji i Ftohtë (Tepelenë)
- Grehot
- Kardhikaq
- Muzina Pass
Humanitarian Principles and Rejection of Civil War
What distinguishes Hysni Pollo in Lazarat’s history is his consistent rejection of civil war among Albanians.
He lived by the principle stated by Mit’hat Frashëri:
“No Albanian is expendable.”
Together with the village elders, Hysni Pollo:
- prevented executions motivated by political revenge,
- saved the lives of dozens of people, including communist partisans,
- They stopped more than 200 armed men from Lazarat from participating in the civil clashes in Libohova in 1944. This action prevented a major internal bloodshed.
His actions reflected a deeply rooted moral tradition of Lazarat: protecting life and avoiding brother‑against‑brother violence.
The British Plane Incident (1944)
In 1944, a light British plane carried two young civilians (brother and sister). It was forced to land near the Shëndriadhë Fortress. They were handed over to Hysni Pollo, who:
- provided them shelter and food,
- ensured their safety,
- personally escorted them to Kakome, Sarandë, where they were reunited with their father.
Their father was a prominent British politician. He offered to take Hysni Pollo and his family to England. He warned Hysni that nationalist figures would soon be persecuted in Albania. Hysni Pollo declined the offer, choosing to stay in his homeland.
Arrest, Trial, and 384 Defense Statements
After the communist takeover in late 1944, Hysni Pollo was arrested and labeled an “enemy of the people.”
During his trial, 384 written statements were submitted in his defense, including testimonies from:
- individuals close to prominent communist leaders like Haki Toska and Sado Naipi,
- two communist partisans whose lives Hysni Pollo had personally saved.
When asked why they defended him, they replied:
“Albanians have a tradition of repaying a debt. This man saved our lives, and we are here to repay that debt.”
Despite this overwhelming defense, the verdict was predetermined. The prosecutor demanded the utmost sentence, Article 101 (death penalty). The court was influenced by the testimonies. It reduced the sentence to 25 years imprisonment. He served most of this time in the Burrel Prison. He was released under amnesty in 1956.
Later Life and Legacy
After his release, Hysni Pollo returned to Lazarat and lived a quiet life under constant surveillance. To avoid causing problems for others, he kept a low public profile. His family endured decades of discrimination and hardship due to his political persecution.
Hysni Pollo passed away in 1981, in his birthplace. Today, he is remembered by the people of Lazarat as:
- a symbol of human dignity and restraint,
- a defender of inter‑Albanian unity,
- and an important figure in the cultural and historical heritage of Lazarat.