Citation

Arsovska J. Eur. J. Crime Crim. Law Crim. Justice 2006; 14(2): 161-184.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Brill Academic Publishers)

DOI

10.1163/157181706777978757

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The article explains the relationship between the ancient Albanian legal-moral code, the Kanun of Lek Dukagni, and the violent behavior of the contemporary Albanian organized crime groups. It discusses the link between the Albanian perception of women in society with the rise of Albanian sexual-slavery rackets. Under the Kanun, a man may kill his wife because of infidelity and betrayal of hospitality, and her duty is to serve her husband and to be subordinate to him in all matters. Albanian society view women as lesser citizens. Women have enormous difficulties freeing from prostitution because they are sentimentally bonded to the exploiter. There are no official convictions against traffickers and abusers because women still view their social position under the framework of customary laws.