Hunger strike of former politically persecuted in Albania (2012)
A hunger strike by former politically persecuted persons of Albania began on 21 September 2012 in Tirana involving 20 people persecuted during the communist years. The strike began for economic purposes, seeking the Albanian government to compensate them according to a law passed in 2007 entitling former political prisoners to 2,000 lek (11.5 euros) for each day they were in prison. Two strikers, Gjergj Ndreca (aged 51) and Lirak Bejko (47) set fire to themselves as a sign of protest against the negligence of state structures. According to doctors, Ndreca has  suffered burns to 40% of the body including in the respiratory tract, and has been sent to Greece for treatment, while Bejko has been sent to Italy. A month into the strike, strikers were still struggling to receive support from health and humanitarian organisations, and religious institutions. Of primary importance is dry blankets following heavy rain. A third man Gëzim Hamiti also immolated himself in Pogradec in a show of solidarity. Police stopped another protester, Gani Alia, from setting himself on fire.