photographed at her appartmet in Tirana

Born on October 28, 1954, in Sazan, Ermira (Pasho) Kaso’s family suffered severe persecution after her uncle was executed as part of the so-called “Teme Sejko enemy group.” Her father, a naval officer, was dismissed from his position for choosing loyalty to his wife and children over the party. After a short period as a teacher, he was arrested on charges of “agitation and propaganda” and sentenced to 20 years in prison, of which he served 15 years in notorious camps and prisons such as Spaç and Shën Vasil in Saranda. The imprisonment of her uncle and father had a profound impact on Ermira and her three younger brothers, who were denied access to education and forced to work in harsh agricultural conditions, a situation that persisted until the fall of the communist regime.

Despite these significant challenges, Ermira rebuilt her life. She married Tanush Kaso, a former political prisoner, and together they raised four children.