TIRANA, February 5 – Mihal Grameno passed away on February 5, 1931.

He stood among the most active figures of the Albanian national cause. His contributions included participation in armed struggle with the guerrilla unit of Çerçiz Topulli. In addition, he worked as a journalist, publisher, and writer.

Birth took place on January 13, 1871, in Korça. Early education occurred in his hometown. In 1885, he emigrated to Romania. While in Bucharest, he joined the Albanian national movement. By 1889, the “Drita [The Light]” Association elected him as secretary.

In 1907, Grameno joined the guerrilla unit of Çerçiz Topulli. During that time, he took part in the killing of a Greek bishop at “Guri i Cjapit” (Male Goat Rock). This operation aimed to avenge Spiro Kosturi, who Greek groups had killed in Thessaloniki.

Journalistic activity allowed reporting on the guerrilla clash in Mashkullora. Later, in November of the same year, he represented the Korça Club at the Congress of Manastir. In 1909, he founded the Orthodox League in Korça. Editorial responsibilities also covered the biweekly periodical with the same name during 1909–1910. Ottoman authorities arrested him in 1910 due to his work with the newspaper “Bashkimi i Kombit [Union of the Nation].”

The uprisings of 1911 required coordination among guerrilla groups across Albanian regions. At the same time, communication connected these groups with leaders of the national movement in Istanbul. This collaboration helped organize the revolts effectively.

On February 1, 1911, he began publishing a new newspaper. Editing duties included the weekly “Koha [The Time].” The first issue appeared in Korça. Subsequently, printing continued in Jamestown, New York, where he lived from 1915 to 1919.

Return to Europe followed later. Representation included the Albanian-American Political Party at the Paris Peace Conference. Additionally, he worked as a correspondent for the newspaper “Albania,” published by A. G. Naçe in New York.

After one year, he returned to Albania. The outbreak of World War I prompted another departure to the United States. While there, he continued to work for the national cause until 1920. Finally, he returned to Albania. Montenegrin troops killed him in Korça on February 5, 1931.

In recognition of his special merits for the homeland and the Albanian cause, authorities awarded him the title “Hero of the People.”

/a.p./