Safet Zhulali, 59; Deposed Defense Minister of Albania
Safet Zhulali, 59, Albania’s deposed defense minister, died Saturday in Tirana, Albania, of a heart attack.
Zhulali was defense minister from 1992 to 1997 under former President Sali Berisha of the Democratic Party. But he had to give up his post in 1997 when Berisha’s government was overthrown because its fraudulent investment schemes collapsed.
Tens of thousands of investors lost their life savings. Enraged rioters stormed army depots, stealing weapons that were used in street violence that killed some 2,000 people.
The succeeding government, led by the Socialist Party, charged Zhulali with crimes against humanity for his role during the crisis. He spent a few weeks in jail.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
