An Overview on the Freedom of Religion in Albania

Abstract

If we take a look at the historical course of the independent Albanian state, which is established in 1912, we found Albania divided into two major religions, Christians and Muslims. After the declaration of independence of Albania in 1912, the clergy of the three faiths ranged between political, social and national movement wars arm, to do the best for the country. Albania throughout its history has been an example of how people of different religions have been able to correctly solve the trust relationship with the nation, the nation above all. Even after the declaration of the Republic of Albanian in 1925, again it was sanctioned the state with the principles of secularism and freedom of religion and conscience, principles which will also be reaffirmed in the status of the Albanian Kingdom of 1929. Things changed though with the coming of communism into power. Communists held a criminal attitude towards the religion. We can say that in 1945 the government decided to persecute the religious belief. For years Albanian communist regime deprived the freedom of conscience and religion, violating one of the fundamental rights and human freedoms. The communist regime's atrocities during his 50 years of worship destroyed indiscriminately facilities such as those of Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox believes, being justified as an atheist youth movement. Atheism in Albania concluded with the advent of democracy on 4 November 1990, after a long collapse of atheist rules. Albanian law already protects the freedom of conscience and religion as a fundamental constitutional right.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s5p255