~RS~a~RS~worldservice~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~27~RS~){kind=small}
The entire family must remain at home because of the threat
In Albania, the centuries-old belief in the right to take revenge, that blood must pay with blood, still rules many people's lives.
Several thousand Albanian families are reportedly involved in a blood feud, or vendetta, often for murders committed by relatives decades ago.
Under Albania's ancient code of conduct known as the Kanun, the only safe place from a reprisal killing is within your own house or property.
So, fears of being targeted have led to many parents keeping their children out of school and at home for years on end.
The BBC's Mike Lanchin reports:
Listen Listen to his report (4 mins 54 secs)
First broadcast 18 November 2008
To see more of the pictures Mike took in Albania, click here.
