Marubi Museum explores Albania’s dark communist trials through photos

Marubi Museum’s exhibition sheds light on Albania’s Communist-era trials through a rare collection of photographs

The Marubi Museum in Shkodra, Albania, unveils a powerful exhibition titled ‘Trials – Research in the Archive of the Albanian Telegraphic Agency’.

This exhibition, featuring 150 candid photographs, delves into the grim period of Communist-era political trials from 1945 to 1961.

These images expose the brutal treatment of those branded as ‘enemies of the state’ and offer an insight into a harrowing chapter of Albania’s history, as reported by Fjori Sinoruka for Balkan Insight.

Captured by the Albanian Telegraphic Agency, these photographs document trials held in cinemas in Tirana and Shkodra, where many faced ruthless punishments like execution or decades in labor camps.

The exhibition also includes poignant pictures from the first Communist-era trial, conducted from March 1 to April 12, 1945, resulting in the execution of 17 out of 54 defendants.

Marubi Museum’s director Lucjan Bedeni, points out the unique nature of these photographs.

They break away from the era’s typical propaganda imagery and capture defendants in unguarded, spontaneous moments.

Bedeni stresses that the museum is displaying these significant photographs in high-quality format for the first time and underlines their historical value.

Additionally, the exhibition showcases images from five other trials, further illustrating the relentless oppression of the Communist regime.

The exhibition will remain open until March 24, inviting visitors to reflect on this crucial period in Albanian history.

Source: Newsroom