The voices that never died out!/ "Spaç 1973", in Korça

2025-10-04 10:30:00, Kulturë CNA

The documentary “Spaç 1973 - Martyrs of Freedom”, directed by Besim Ndregjon, was screened for the first time in the city of Korça. This documentary film brings to the screen the revolt of the political prisoners of Spaç, the most courageous event of the Albanian anti-communist resistance, restoring the voices of those who remained silent for decades under the weight of oblivion. At a time when history still seeks justice for the victims of the dictatorship, the documentary is considered an act of cultural rebellion against oblivion and as a tribute to those who sacrificed everything for freedom and human dignity.

The voices that never died out!/ "Spaç 1973", in Korça

The film's author, Besim Ndregjoni, emphasized the importance that Korça had in the anti-communist resistance and the reason why this city was chosen as the first to host the screening of the documentary. He pointed out the role of Korça personalities who suffered in the Spaç prisons, such as Sami Dangëllia, known for his 40-year resistance in political prisons, but also many others such as Vaskë Orgocka, Nevruz Golka and Ylber Merdani, who became symbols of moral and spiritual resistance.

"We follow the resistance of the anti-communist people of Korça during the dictatorship of Enver Hoxha. We inaugurated this documentary film in Tirana and decided that the first city in Albania where the documentary will be shown will be the city of Korça. The city of Korça is renowned for its culture, which is renowned for its anti-communism like any other district in Albania, but which has personalities from the political prison of Spaç, who today deserve honor and glory. I will bring to your attention the legend of Albanian prisons, Sami Dangëllia, who served 40 years in political prison and was one of the initiators of the anti-communist revolt of Spaç. There is also Vaskë Orgocka, Nevruz Golka, Ylber Merdani, as well as many people from Korça who participated in that revolt. The anti-communist revolt of Spaç is the revolt of political prisoners on a global scale. The political prisoners did not protest against the unjust sentences given to them by the communist dictatorship, but protested to protect their identity. national, the red and black flag to which communism had added the star of Bolshevism."

The voices that never died out!/ "Spaç 1973", in Korça

The documentary summarizes the testimonies of the survival and pain of hundreds of prisoners who challenged the communist regime, not for revenge, but to protect the national identity and symbols of a free Albania. Leonard Bejko, the son of Dervish Bejko, one of the four martyrs shot after the Spaç revolt, also participated in this event. He expressed gratitude for the honor given to those who gave their lives for freedom, experiencing the film as a deep remembrance of his father, whom he did not get to know. Leonard Bejko shared the strong emotions that still accompany him today and the pain that his father's remains have not been found even after so many years.

"I am very pleased with this event, with this very beautiful film because it is dedicated to the four martyrs of democracy, to those who gave their lives for the freedom of Albania. One of these four was my father. I was very young and I only have one memory of my father, I was 3 years old at the time and I don't remember these things. From all the books that have been written and that I have read, I have many emotions that I cannot express so briefly at these moments. I have a pledge that my father's remains have not yet been found. This is my biggest pledge."

The voices that never died out!/ "Spaç 1973", in Korça

Vaskë Orgocka, a former political prisoner, also spoke at the event, recalling his period of suffering and the injustices of the regime. He brought his personal story of being unjustly convicted, at a time when political hatred determined people's destinies. Orgocka recalled the atrocities experienced by political prisoners and the way many Albanian families were destroyed for political reasons.

"We remember all these bitter moments, with such pain. We also remember those who honor us for our suffering. I went to school abroad, but at that time it was allowed that even if you got married, it was very okay. I lived with my wife for 15 years, working in the Mborje - Drenova mine and in other places. But, there came a moment when the marriage broke down. They separated from their camp. During this time that we were together with the socialist camp, we were good and respected. When the marriage broke down, we separated and became enemies. So, they arrested us both, the wife was sentenced to 25 years and I was sentenced to death. What is the reason? There was no reason! It was not a fault, we did not commit any crime. But you had to be punished because politics demanded it. The enemies of good demanded it, those who were chosen to commit crimes against Albanians. Well, they got a lot Albanians on the neck, many families suffered, many families were killed. All Albanians who were convicted, have suffered the most severe atrocities, the most bitter moments of their lives."

The voices that never died out!/ "Spaç 1973", in Korça

The documentary “Spaç 1973 - Martyrs of Freedom” raises strong questions about collective memory and the responsibility that society has towards the past. It is not simply a return to history, but a call for joint reflection and national awareness. In closing, the authors and attendees emphasized that Spaç should not remain just a memory, but a lesson. Because if we forget what happened, if we do not learn from those who sacrificed, then we are not worthy of the freedom we enjoy today. The city of Korça, with this performance, proved once again that historical memory is part of its cultural and moral identity, a memory that does not fade, because it is built on human endurance and dignity./ CNA