was nominally the third most powerful man in Albania, behind general secretary Enver Hoxha and prime minister Mehmet Shehu. During Lleshi's time in power, Albania became known as one of the most independent communist nations, as it feuded with the Soviet Union, became an ally of the People's Republic of China, and then feuded with China in the 1970s. Lleshi retired from his position as chairman of the Presidium on 22 November 1982, after nearly 30 years in office, when Hoxha reshuffled the government. Hoxha died three years later, and during the early 1990s, the communist regime fell, but Lleshi continued to live in Albania. On 13 February 1995, President of Albania Sali Berisha issued decree N. 1018 – on the abolition of all awards and honorary titles awarded to the leaders of the communist regime. This decision affected Enver Hoxha (posthumously), Nexhmije Hoxha (lifetime), Hysni Kapo (posthumously), Shefqet Peçi (lifetime), Gogo Nushi (posthumously), Spiro Koleka (lifetime), Haki Toska (posthumously), Haxhi Lleshi (lifetime). Thus, Lleshi was stripped of the title of People's Hero. Although Lleshi was re elected in the parliament after the fall of the in the multi party elections, In 1996, a group of high-ranking Sigurimi functionaries were brought to trial on charges of "genocide and crimes against humanity." The sentences were harsh, including the death penalty, but soon the charges were softened. 83 year old Haxhi Leshi was sentenced to life imprisonment, but a month later, on 24 July 1996, he was released on bail, taking into account age and health In 1998, he died from natural causes. References 1913 births 1998 deaths Albanian communists Albanian people of World War II People's Socialist Republic of Albania Communism in Albania 20th-century Albanian politicians Labour Party of Albania politicians Members of the Parliament of Albania Albanian resistance members People from Dibër (municipality) Albanian expatriates in Yugoslavia Government ministers of Albania Interior ministers of Albania Ministers without portfolio of Albania