-Prison No. 1 Peshkopia 1944–1950
Prison No. 1 Peshkopia, otherwise known as the prison of “Enemies of the People”, was set up in the mansion of the Kumbarçe family, next to the main boulevard. In the early 1950s, there were about 110 prisoners in this political prison. It is thought that this prison was closed in 1950 because it is the last year in which data are found.
In his book “Burgjet dhe kampet e Shqipërisë komuniste” (Prisons and Camps of Communist Albania), scholar Kastriot Dervishi writes about a sensational event in this prison. According to the announcement of the Executive Committee of Peshkopia, in the morning of 23 July 1945, eight political prisoners, sentenced to death by the courts and awaiting execution, blew up the prison to escape. Four of them were killed in the escape attempt, and four others fled successfully. Later, in an effort with the forces of the 23rd Brigade, they were killed too. This attempt to escape the murderous machinery of the communist regime had thus ended with eight killed opponents. They were: Dine Dema, Xhevahir Dalipi, Taf Ramizi, Riza Sopoti, Sali Dervishi, Rizvan Nurja, Selman Gjokola, and Halit Prifti.
The prisoners:
- Dine Dema
- Xhevahir Dalipi
- Taf Ramizi
- Riza Sopoti
- Sali Dervishi
- Rizvan Nurja
- Selman Gjokola
- Halit Prifti.