Today marks the 44th anniversary of the assassination of prominent activists of the Albanian national cause, Jusuf and Bardhosh Gërvalla, and Kadri Zeka.
On 17 January 1982, the three activists were killed in an assassination in Untergruppenbach, Germany. Even after 44 years, the event remains vivid in the memory of their families and all those who were spiritually and politically connected to their cause.
According to German authorities, the attack was classified as part of the covert conflict between Yugoslav secret services and political opponents within the Albanian diaspora. The assassination occurred as the victims were leaving a garage by car, when two armed individuals opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
Bardhosh Gërvalla was killed with six bullets, Kadri Zeka with two, while Jusuf Gërvalla was seriously wounded and later died from his injuries. Before passing away, Jusuf Gërvalla stated that the Yugoslav secret police (UDBA) were behind the attack.
The assassination of the Gërvalla brothers and Kadri Zeka remains one of the most significant and unresolved political crimes against Albanian activists in exile, symbolizing the long struggle for freedom and national rights.
