photographed in a public place in Tirana

Born on July 12, 1946, in Tirana, Saimir Maloku faced harsh persecution under the communist regime. After graduating from the Military Academy for Radio Communication, he completed his studies in Electronic Engineering at the University of Tirana, earning his degree in 1974. He worked as a military electronics engineer for two years before his life took a tragic turn.

On May 13, 1976, he was arrested on charges of “agitation and propaganda against the people’s power.” Despite a lack of solid evidence, he was convicted in August 1976 by the Military College of the Mat District Court and sentenced to 13 years in prison. He served his sentence in the notorious prisons of Burrel, Ballsh, and Spaç.

After 8 years, 8 months, and 18 days in prison, he was released in 1985 under a presidential decree. However, even after his release, he remained under constant surveillance by the regime.

His story of persecution is detailed in his autobio- graphy Si Mbijetova në Ferrin Komunist (How I Survived the Communist Hell, 2020).