Qemal Stafa

Who was Qemal Stafa?

Qemal Stafa was a founding member of the Albanian Communist Party, and the leader of its youth section. He was very active in the National Liberation Movement of Albania during World War II. He was killed in a house at the outskirts of Tirana by the Italian fascist forces, who had occupied Albania. It is believed that he may have been betrayed by one or more of his comrades, possibly Enver Hoxha, who gained much from his death. The source of these allegations may derive from the deaths of many communist party members, during and after WWII, caused by the same Enver Hoxha. The 5th of May, his death anniversary, was chosen after the end of the war as the Martyrs' Day of Albania to commemorate all those who gave their life for Albania's liberation.

Many streets, squares and schools in different cities bear his name as well as a military base and the most important stadium in the country.