The Postribë uprising

In November 1944, before the end of World War II, the Communist Party of Albania, led by Enver Hoxha, seized power in Albania. The government adopted a strictly pro-Soviet Stalinist policy. The National Liberation Army established a one-party monopoly, nationalized the economy, dismantled traditional social structures, and enforced the cult of Hoxha. Emissaries from the Communist Party of Yugoslavia, Albania’s closest ally at the time, played a key role in consolidating power.

Massive Sigurimi repression targeted political opponents and so-called "hostile classes." In 1945, a special court issued numerous death sentences, while Special Pursuit Brigades carried out extrajudicial executions.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Rebelimi i Postribës, si urdhëroi Enver Hoxha shpartallimin e çetave antikomuniste në veri {{!}} Fuqia e ndryshimit mediatik, zëri i atdheut dhe i patriotizmit shqiptar Nacional Albania |url=http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062133/http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} The most brutal terror campaigns took place in northern Albania’s mountainous regions under the leadership of Mehmet Shehu.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Rebelimi i Postribës, si urdhëroi Enver Hoxha shpartallimin e çetave antikomuniste në veri {{!}} Fuqia e ndryshimit mediatik, zëri i atdheut dhe i patriotizmit shqiptar Nacional Albania |url=http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062133/http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }}

Resistance to the new regime came from various groups, including the republican nationalists of Balli Kombëtar, the royalists of the Legaliteti movement, and traditional clan-based communities. Armed resistance was particularly active in northern Albania. As early as January 1945, Balli Kombëtar rebels, led by nationalist activist Abas Ermenji, attempted to seize Shkodër and establish a rebel government in the North.{{Cite web |title=Abas Ermenji - apostull i bashkimit kombëtar - Balli i Kombit në Internet |url=https://www-ballikombit-org.translate.goog/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=980&Itemid=1&_x_tr_sch=http&_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=www-ballikombit-org.translate.goog}}{{Cite web |date=2024-10-30 |title="As it was decided, Abaz Ermenji, with a force of 200 men, suddenly attacked a German convoy, consisting of 40 trucks and& |url=https://memorie.al/en/as-it-was-decided-abaz-ermenji-with-a-force-of-200-men-suddenly-attacked-a-german-convoy-consisting-of-40-trucks-and-the-unknown-history-of-the-former-head-of-the-national-front/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}} Around the same time, the Koplik Uprising erupted in Malësi e Madhe under the leadership of former royal army officer Lesh Marashi.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Si dhe pse vrau dhe pushkatoi rregjimi komunist i Enver Hoxhës 226 malësorë? {{!}} Gazeta Malesia |url=https://zanimalsise.com/rregjimi-komunist-vrau-dhe-pushkatoi-226-malesore/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012056/https://zanimalsise.com/rregjimi-komunist-vrau-dhe-pushkatoi-226-malesore/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} {{Cite web |last=Progni |first=Luli |date=2018-05-10 |title=Llesh Marashi, majori që udhëhoqi kryengritjen antikomuniste të Koplikut |url=https://kujto.al/llesh-marashi-majori-qe-udhehoqi-kryengritjen-e-antikomuniste-te-koplikut/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}} Meanwhile, large government forces were deployed to suppress the Kelmendi Uprising in the Accursed Mountains, led by Prek Cali. In Mirdita, the Markagjoni clan’s Committee of the Mountains also actively resisted the communist regime.

By early 1946, open resistance had been suppressed by the authorities. Abas Ermenji emigrated, while Lesh Marashi and Prek Cali were captured and executed. However, the anti-communist underground in Albania persisted. {{Cite web |date=2023-09-09 |title=The 77th anniversary of the Postriba Anti-Communist Uprising is commemorated |url=https://www.cna.al/english/kosova-bota/perkujtohet-77-vjetori-i-kryengritjes-antikomuniste-te-postribes-i373378 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=CNA}}{{Cite web |title="Vrasja e Prek Calit ka ndodhur pas çlirimit të Shqipërisë nga gjermanët" |url=https://www.botasot.info/shqiperia/760685/vrasja-e-prek-calit-ka-ndodhur-pas-clirimit-te-shqiperise-nga-gjermanet/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Bota Sot |language=en}}

Its social base consisted primarily of traditional communities and clans, particularly in the mountainous regions of northern Albania, especially around Shkodër. The movement was organized by Balli Kombëtar members, supporters of Ahmet Zogu (as republican nationalists and royalists united under anti-communism), former members of the Albanian Fascist Party, and influential clan leaders. They were supported by segments of the peasantry, as well as the middle and lower urban classes.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Rebelimi i Postribës, si urdhëroi Enver Hoxha shpartallimin e çetave antikomuniste në veri {{!}} Fuqia e ndryshimit mediatik, zëri i atdheut dhe i patriotizmit shqiptar Nacional Albania |url=http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062133/http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }}

One of the key centers of anti-communist resistance formed in the Postribë community—an area consisting of about ten villages near Shkodër.{{Cite web |title=77 years since the Postriba Uprising, Bardhyl Shaba's courage and Basha's divisive action to kill pluralism! |url=https://politiko.al/english/ditari-i-opozites/77-vite-nga-kryengritja-e-postribes-guximi-i-bardhyl-shabes-dh-i490988 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=politiko.al}} Known for its strong national-patriotic and rebellious traditions, Postribë militias had previously taken part in the battles for Shkodër in 1913, the Vlora War in 1920. {{Cite web |date=2011-09-08 |title=The anti-communist uprising of Postriba is commemorated |url=https://telegrafi.com/en/perkujtohet-kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Telegrafi |language=en}}

The Postribë movement was led by traditional clan authority Osman Haxhia and economist Jup Kazazi.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-07 |title=Masakra komuniste në Postribë – Shkodra News |url=http://www.shkodranews.org/masakra-komuniste-ne-postribe/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107192229/http://www.shkodranews.org/masakra-komuniste-ne-postribe/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 }} During the Italian occupation, Kazazi had served as the general secretary of the fascist party before breaking ties with the Italians, contacting the British military mission, and joining the armed resistance.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Liri Kazazi, e bija e antikomunistit: Si u vetëvra Jup Kazazi, për të mos rënë në duart e komunistëve |url=http://www.panorama.com.al/liri-kazazi-e-bija-e-antikomunistit-si-u-vetevra-jup-kazazi-per-te-mos-rene-ne-duart-e-komunisteve/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012257/http://www.panorama.com.al/liri-kazazi-e-bija-e-antikomunistit-si-u-vetevra-jup-kazazi-per-te-mos-rene-ne-duart-e-komunisteve/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} He later became a member of Balli Kombëtar and played an active role in the 1945 uprisings alongside Abas Ermenji and Lesh Marashi.{{Cite web |last=Observatori |date=2017-09-10 |title="Vetëvrasja" e Jup Kazazit në kryengritjen e Postribës |url=https://www.observatorikujteses.al/vetevrasja-e-jup-kazazit-ne-kryengritjen-e-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Observatori i Kujtesës |language=en-US}}

Political connections with the movement were maintained by well-known democratic politicians such as lawyer Riza Dani, a Republican and supporter of Fan Noli, who was considered the ideological force behind the uprising, though he did not directly participate.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-27 |title="Riza Dani, bravely replied with Koçi Xoxa and Enver and when the draft statute was discussed, he objected as…" / |url=https://memorie.al/en/riza-dani-bravely-replied-with-koci-xoxa-and-enver-and-when-the-draft-statute-was-discussed-he-objected-as-testimony-of-the-nephew-of-the-deputy-of-shkodra-who-was-shot-and-how-the-g/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}} Another key figure was journalist Myzafer Pipa, who spread anti-communist propaganda among the Shkodër intelligentsia. Other movement leaders—including Paulin Pali, Abas Sulejmani, Pjeter Pali, Gjelosh Vata, Mustafa Yakupi Pjeter Luli, Kasem Rragibi—mainly came from local village authorities.{{Cite web |last=editor1 |date=2018-02-12 |title=Kryengritja antikomuniste në Postribë, 18 burra u pushkatuan, 30 shtëpi u shkrumbuan |url=https://kujto.al/kryengritja-antikomuniste-ne-postribe-18-burra-u-pushkatuan-30-shtepi-u-shkrumbuan/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}}

These leaders had diverse political backgrounds but were united by their strong opposition to the communist regime.{{Cite web |last1=Shkodra |first1=Informacione Ngjarja: Gjyqi i parë i “Kryengritjes së Postribës” Data: 31/1/1948 Vendi: Shkodër Viktimat: Aprovohet ndeshkimi me vdekje i dhënë prej asaj gjykate kundra: Cin Serreqi nga |last2=Kurveleshit |first2=Bilbil Hajni nga katundi Progonat i |last3=Shkodra |first3=Xhelal Hardolli nga |last4=Shkodra |first4=Dulo Kali nga |last5=Shkodra |first5=Gjergj Volaj nga |date=2017-12-28 |title=Kryengritja e Postribës, gjyqi i parë |url=https://kujto.al/ngjarje/gjyqi-i-pare-i-kryengritjes-se-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}} They commanded respect among peasants, small traders, artisans, and the marginalized classes of Northern Albania. The total number of Postrib rebels was estimated at 150-200 fighters, mostly nationalist peasants of Muslim or Catholic faith.{{Cite web |date=2019-04-17 |title=Kryengritja antikomuniste në Postribë, 18 burra u pushkatuan, 30 shtëpi u shkrumbuan - kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |url=https://kujto.al/kryengritja-antikomuniste-ne-postribe-18-burra-u-pushkatuan-30-shtepi-u-shkrumbuan/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417053444/https://kujto.al/kryengritja-antikomuniste-ne-postribe-18-burra-u-pushkatuan-30-shtepi-u-shkrumbuan/ |archive-date=17 April 2019 }}

The Postribë movement was driven by anti-communism, nationalist sentiment, and traditional tribal values. It strongly opposed Yugoslavia, viewing Enver Hoxha’s regime as "Serbian-communist".{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Rebelimi i Postribës, si urdhëroi Enver Hoxha shpartallimin e çetave antikomuniste në veri {{!}} Fuqia e ndryshimit mediatik, zëri i atdheut dhe i patriotizmit shqiptar Nacional Albania |url=http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062133/http://www.nacionalalbania.al/2013/07/rebelimi-i-postribes-si-urdheroi-enver-hoxha-shpartallimin-e-cetave-antikomuniste-ne-veri/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} The uprising was a direct response to the brutal communist repression carried out by Mehmet Shehu.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-09 |title=Fakte të reja për kryengritjen e Postribës, Sigurimi ishte në dijeni të përgatitjeve |url=https://sot.com.al/kultura/fakte-te-reja-per-kryengritjen-e-postribes-sigurimi-ishte-ne-dijeni-te-pergatitjeve/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Sot News {{!}} Lajme |language=en-US}}

The attack plan was developed in July 1946, when Osman Haxhia convened a meeting of commanders from various anti-communist groups. The plan aimed to seize control of Shkodër, including military barracks, a weapons depot, a prison housing political prisoners, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs administration.{{Cite web |title=How the drama of Koçi Xoxes, the first head of the Albanian State Security, began |url=https://www.voxnews.al/english/histori/si-nisi-drama-e-koci-xoxes-shefi-i-pare-i-sigurimit-te-shtetit-shqiptar-i23558 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Vox News}} The rebels hoped to gain mass public support and anticipated assistance from Britain, which they believed would counterbalance Yugoslav and Soviet support for the communist government.

"We have knives! It's not difficult! There is no other way—they have touched our honor and religion!"{{Cite web |last=TV1 |first=Redaksia |date=2017-09-10 |title=KRYENGRITJA ANTIKOMUNISTE E POSTRIBËS, 9 SHTATOR 1946 – NGA URAN BUTKA |url=http://tv1-channel.tv/2017/09/10/kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes-9-shtator-1946-nga-uran-butka/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=TV1-CHANNEL |language=en-US}}

— Osman Haxhia

On the night of September 9, 1946, three rebel columns set out from different villages toward Shkodër.{{Cite web |title=Kryengritja e Postribës 1946, lëvizja e parë antikomuniste |url=https://top-channel.tv/2019/09/09/kryengritja-e-postribes-1946-levizja-e-pare-antikomuniste/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=top-channel.tv |language=en-US}} The main force of 70–80 fighters was led by Osman Haxhia, while two smaller units of 25–40 fighters each were commanded by Pjeter Pali, Gjelosh Vata, Mustafa Yakupi, and Pjeter Luli.{{Cite web |title=Kryengritja e Postribës 1946, lëvizja e parë antikomuniste {{!}} Albanian Post |url=https://albanianpost.com/kryengritja-e-postribes-1946-levizja-e-pare-antikomuniste/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=albanianpost.com}}

The rebels managed to breach the city limits and temporarily blocked the strategic Lezhë–Shkodër highway. The fighting occurred near Shkodër prison, where government troops, under the command of Musa Daci, used heavy weaponry and artillery to repel the attack. Several rebel commanders were killed.{{Cite web |title=Komandanti komunist që dogji shtëpitë në Postribë, një ish fashist |url=https://www.55news.al/dossier/item/187623-komandanti-komunist-qe-dogji-shtepite-ne-postribe-nje-ish-fashist |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=www.55news.al |language=en-gb}} The overwhelming superiority of government forces in organization, numbers, and firepower soon became evident, and the rebels failed to reach their intended targets.{{Cite web |last=breaking |date=2021-09-09 |title=9 shtator 1946 - Kryengritja e Postribës |url=https://gazetasi.al/9-shtator-1946-kryengritja-e-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Gazeta Si |language=sq}}

News of the uprising reached Enver Hoxha, who issued direct orders to Minister of Internal Affairs Koçi Xoxe to restore order immediately.{{Citation |title=Party and state |date=2013 |work=The Shining Beacon of Socialism in Europe: The Albanian State and Society in the Period of Communist Dictatorship 1944–1992 |pages=25–64 |editor-last=Czekalski |editor-first=Tadeusz |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/shining-beacon-of-socialism-in-europe/party-and-state/621AEB76EBF9E77D61A484D17F55ECCE?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=bookmark |access-date=2025-03-20 |series=Jagiellonian Studies in History |publisher=Jagiellonian University Press |isbn=978-83-233-8890-6}}{{Cite web |date=2023-05-09 |title="Koci Xoxe was not an ignoramus or a tinkerer, as Enveri has presented him, he had graduated brilliantly in Thessaloniki |url=https://memorie.al/en/koci-xoxe-was-not-an-ignoramus-or-a-tinkerer-as-enveri-has-presented-him-he-had-graduated-brilliantly-in-thessaloniki-he-knew-several-foreign-languages-and-memories-of-the-former-minister-a/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}} Major Zoi Themeli, an experienced Sigurimi officer, was dispatched from Tirana to lead security operations in northern Albania.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-22 |title="When he saw that his body was rotting, he himself asked his mother to tell them to kill him, that he could no longer do i |url=https://memorie.al/en/when-he-saw-that-his-body-was-rotting-he-himself-asked-his-mother-to-tell-them-to-kill-him-that-he-could-no-longer-do-it-and-she-went-to-the-head-of-the-branch-zoi-themeli-who-shocking-st/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}}

Under Temel’s command, government forces launched a powerful counteroffensive, drove the rebels out of Shkodër, and conducted extensive raids across Postribë.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-01 |title="To break Dulo Kali during the investigation in Shkodër, next to his cell, we took two young girls and two other prisoner |url=https://memorie.al/en/103432/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}} Clashes continued for several days, with the Sigurimi conducting a particularly intense manhunt for Jup Kazazi.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-09 |title=DOSJA/ Kush ishte Jup Kazazi, pjesëmarrësi në kryengritjen e Postribës që vrau veten?! |url=https://www.gazetatema.net/kulture/dosja-kush-ishte-jup-kazazi-pjesemarresi-ne-kryengritjen-e-postribes-qe--i456572 |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Gazeta Tema}}

During the battle on September 9, 65 rebels were killed. Between 12 and 19 captured fighters were executed without trial.{{Cite web |date=2017-09-09 |title=Fakte të reja për kryengritjen e Postribës, Sigurimi ishte në dijeni të përgatitjeve |url=https://sot.com.al/kultura/fakte-te-reja-per-kryengritjen-e-postribes-sigurimi-ishte-ne-dijeni-te-pergatitjeve/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Sot News {{!}} Lajme |language=en-US}} In retaliation, security forces burned 30 homes in Postribë and arrested numerous individuals, including women, subjecting them to brutal torture.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Dosja e Sigurimit/ Si u fsheh Jup Kazazi dhe më pas u vetëvra pas rrethimit në 2 të natës {{!}} Javanews.al |url=http://www.javanews.al/dosja-e-sigurimit-si-u-fsheh-jup-kazazi-dhe-pas-u-vetevra-pas-rrethimit-ne-2-te-nates/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105062252/http://www.javanews.al/dosja-e-sigurimit-si-u-fsheh-jup-kazazi-dhe-pas-u-vetevra-pas-rrethimit-ne-2-te-nates/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }}

Sigurimi reports labeled the rebels as "fascists, kulaks, traders, and former officers of Zog", though, in reality, the group included individuals from diverse backgrounds—including former members of the anti-fascist and anti-Nazi resistance.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Si dhe pse vrau dhe pushkatoi rregjimi komunist i Enver Hoxhës 226 malësorë? {{!}} Gazeta Malesia |url=https://zanimalsise.com/rregjimi-komunist-vrau-dhe-pushkatoi-226-malesore/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012056/https://zanimalsise.com/rregjimi-komunist-vrau-dhe-pushkatoi-226-malesore/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} Most of the fighters were ordinary peasants.

The trial of the Postribe Uprising participants took place in Shkodër from May 1947 to January 1948. On September 17, 1946, Sigurimi agents located Jup Kazazi, who took his own life to avoid capture. His four brothers were sentenced to death. A widely circulated photograph of Kazazi’s corpse surrounded by government soldiers served as a warning to future dissidents.{{Cite web |last=News |first=Java |title=Dosja e Sigurimit/ Si u fsheh Jup Kazazi dhe më pas u vetëvra pas rrethimit në 2 të natës - JavaNews.al |url=https://javanews.al/dosja-e-sigurimit-si-u-fsheh-jup-kazazi-dhe-pas-u-vetevra-pas-rrethimit-ne-2-te-nates/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=JavaNews.al - |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-20 |title=Liri Kazazi, e bija e antikomunistit: Si u vetëvra Jup Kazazi, për të mos rënë në duart e komunistëve |url=https://www.panorama.com.al/liri-kazazi-e-bija-e-antikomunistit-si-u-vetevra-jup-kazazi-per-te-mos-rene-ne-duart-e-komunisteve/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=www.panorama.com.al |language=sq}} Several other key figures also met tragic fates:

• Nine people, including Osman Haxia and Catholic Priest Gjergj Volaj, were sentenced to death.{{Cite web |last1=Postribës |first1=Imzot Gjergj Volaj Informacione Personale Emër/Mbiemër: Imzot Gjergj Volaj Atësia: Lazër Vendlindja: Shirokë Datëlindja: 21/9/1905 Profesioni: Klerik Datë Vdekja: 3/2/1948 Ngjarja i përfshirë: Kryengritja e |last2=Ekzekutimit: 3/2/1948 |first2=gjyqi i parë Ekzekutimi Akuza: "Pjesëmarrjen në kryengritjen e Postribës" Data |date=2017-12-28 |title=Imzot Gjergj Volaj |url=https://kujto.al/personat/imzot-gjergj-volaj/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}}
• Four were sentenced to life imprisonment.{{Cite web |last1=Shkodra |first1=Informacione Ngjarja: Gjyqi i parë i “Kryengritjes së Postribës” Data: 31/1/1948 Vendi: Shkodër Viktimat: Aprovohet ndeshkimi me vdekje i dhënë prej asaj gjykate kundra: Cin Serreqi nga |last2=Kurveleshit |first2=Bilbil Hajni nga katundi Progonat i |last3=Shkodra |first3=Xhelal Hardolli nga |last4=Shkodra |first4=Dulo Kali nga |last5=Shkodra |first5=Gjergj Volaj nga |date=2017-12-28 |title=Kryengritja e Postribës, gjyqi i parë |url=https://kujto.al/ngjarje/gjyqi-i-pare-i-kryengritjes-se-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}}
• Five received prison terms of 15 to 20 years.{{Cite web |last1=Shkodra |first1=Informacione Ngjarja: Gjyqi i parë i “Kryengritjes së Postribës” Data: 31/1/1948 Vendi: Shkodër Viktimat: Aprovohet ndeshkimi me vdekje i dhënë prej asaj gjykate kundra: Cin Serreqi nga |last2=Kurveleshit |first2=Bilbil Hajni nga katundi Progonat i |last3=Shkodra |first3=Xhelal Hardolli nga |last4=Shkodra |first4=Dulo Kali nga |last5=Shkodra |first5=Gjergj Volaj nga |date=2017-12-28 |title=Kryengritja e Postribës, gjyqi i parë |url=https://kujto.al/ngjarje/gjyqi-i-pare-i-kryengritjes-se-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=kujto.al {{!}} Arkiva Online e Viktimave të Komunizmit në Shqipëri |language=sq}}
• Riza Dani was purged in the Parliamentary Group Trials.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-22 |title=Raporti për Moskën: Kështu u shtyp Postriba {{!}} Gazeta Investigim |url=http://gazeta-lajmi.info/raporti-per-mosken-keshtu-u-shtyp-postriba/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222075858/http://gazeta-lajmi.info/raporti-per-mosken-keshtu-u-shtyp-postriba/ |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}
• Zoi Themelii was promoted to head of the Shkodër Interior Ministry and later became a Sigurimi general. However, in 1966, he was purged due to his past ties with Koçi.{{Cite web |date=2021-05-24 |title="In the Shkodra investigation, after burning his meat with a hot iron, they shot him in the head with a bullet and his bod |url=https://memorie.al/en/in-the-shkodra-investigation-after-burning-his-meat-with-a-hot-iron-they-shot-him-in-the-head-with-a-bullet-and-his-body-rare-testimony-for-the-famous-lawyer/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}} Xoxe, who had been executed years earlier.
• Myzafer Pipa died under torture.{{Cite web |date=2020-05-11 |title="Apart from the palaces and estates in Tirana and Rome, where are the works of our politicians and ministers, who…” |url=https://memorie.al/en/apart-from-the-palaces-and-estates-in-tirana-and-rome-where-are-the-works-of-our-politicians-and-ministers-who-the-accusations-of-the-lawyer-and-publicist-myzafer-pipa-who-closed/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |website=Memorie.al |language=en-US}}

The Postrib Uprising can be seen as one of the few earliest anti-communist revolts in post-war Eastern Europe.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Si u organizua kryengritja antikomuniste e Postribës - Rilindja Demokratike |url=http://www.rd.al/2017/09/si-u-organizua-kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012522/http://www.rd.al/2017/09/si-u-organizua-kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }} Its memory holds significant importance for Albanian anti-communists. Leading historians, including Uran Butka, have worked to reconstruct the events.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=KRYENGRITJA ANTIKOMUNISTE E POSTRIBËS, 9 SHTATOR 1946 – NGA URAN BUTKA - TV1-CHANNEL |url=http://tv1-channel.tv/2017/09/10/kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes-9-shtator-1946-nga-uran-butka/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012350/http://tv1-channel.tv/2017/09/10/kryengritja-antikomuniste-e-postribes-9-shtator-1946-nga-uran-butka/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }}

Anniversaries of the uprising are regularly commemorated, sometimes with government participation. The Democratic Party of Albania honors the rebels as heroes of the anti-communist resistance.{{Cite web |date=2018-11-07 |title=Perkujtohet ne Postribe 65 vjetori i kryengritjes se pare antikomuniste ne Europen Lindore - Arkiva Shqiptare e Lajmeve |url=http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Perkujtohet-ne-Postribe-65-vjetori-i-kryengritjes-se-pare-antikomuniste-ne-Europen-Lindore.1047099131/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107145531/http://www.arkivalajmeve.com/Perkujtohet-ne-Postribe-65-vjetori-i-kryengritjes-se-pare-antikomuniste-ne-Europen-Lindore.1047099131/ |archive-date=7 November 2018 }}

In September 2018, events marking the uprising’s anniversary were held, with DP leader Lulzim Basha calling the rebellion and Prek Cali’s resistance movement "a priceless war for freedom".{{Cite web |date=2018-11-05 |title=Kryengritja e Postribës, lëvizja e parë antikomuniste në Shqipëri - KOHA.net |url=https://www.koha.net/arberi/116263/kryengritja-e-postribes-levizja-e-pare-antikomuniste-ne-shqiperi/ |access-date=2025-03-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105012334/https://www.koha.net/arberi/116263/kryengritja-e-postribes-levizja-e-pare-antikomuniste-ne-shqiperi/ |archive-date=5 November 2018 }}

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Category:Anti-communist resistance movements in Eastern Europe

Category:Rebellions in Albania

Category:Wars involving Albania

Category:Conflicts in 1946

Category:History of the Albanians

Category:Cold War history of Albania