10 Facts About Vasil Shanto

Vasil Shanto, called Vasko, was one of the founders of the Albanian Communist Party.

Vasil Shanto was the leader, along with Qemal Stafa, of the Shkoder communist group.

Vasil Shanto's family owned a bakery in Shkoder, and hailed from Struga.

Around 8 November 1943, Vasil Shanto arrived at the headquarters of 2nd Corpus of the Yugoslav Partisans in Kolasin.

Vasil Shanto came in the capacity of delegacy of the Central Committee of the Albanian Communists to meet with Ivan Milutinovic and the 2nd Corpus regarding party, political, and military questions important for the further development of the Albanian Communists.

Vasil Shanto came into conflict with Hoxha but this was concealed from the people.

Vasil Shanto was killed in action on 1 February 1944, in a skirmish with German led Albanian forces in Shkoder.

Vasil Shanto's sister, Elisaveta, was married to Petar Bulatovic-Bulat, who was a former colonel in the Albanian Ministry of Internal Affairs, with dual citizenship.

Vasil Shanto posthumously received the Albanian honorary title "People's Hero".

Vasil Shanto was one of five members of the Yugoslav community of Albania, along with Branko Kadija, Jordan Misja, Vojo Kushi and Danilo Mateja, who received the award.