Volunteers (Albania)

Country: Albania
Details of Formation: The group formed in response to a televised appeal by the government calling on retired, fired and active police officers and soldiers to join a new police force.
Details of Termination: After Berisha lost the elections in June 1997, key officials who commanded President Berisha’s militia left the country and the interim government controlled his militias.
Purpose: The main purpose of the Volunteers was to protect President Berisha from the disorder in the capital and insurgencies directed against him.
Organisation: The Volunteers were a private militia loyal only to President Berisha.
Weapons and Training: The Volunteers were armed by the government and received training from the secret-police chief.
Size: --
Reason for Membership: Members joined voluntarily in response to an appeal by the government.
Treatment of Civilians: --
Other Information: The group might be also known as “Committee of National Salvation”.
References: Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD.