6. Zog I
Zog I of Albania was prolific in his ability to survive assassination attempts and he needed to be with over 600 blood feuds against him. Throughout his life he reportedly survived more than 50 assassination attempts. Zog I ruled over a police state where he took away most civil liberties and murdered political opponents. He also ensured that the constitution gave him most if not all of the governing power in the country, this earned him plenty of enemies.
One attempt took place within the halls of the Albanian Parliament. On February 23rd, 1924 Beqir Valteri opened fire and shot Zog I twice. Beqir Valteri was chased by militia and took refuge in a bathroom for a period singing patriotic songs. Zog I stepped down from political duties for a short period but survived. Valteri would later be released but another Avni Rustemi would be shot in connection to the attempt.
Another attempt took place on February 21st, 1931 when Zog I was visiting the Vienna State Opera house. Two men Aziz Cami and Ndok Gjeloshi of the National Union a group of Zog opponents in exile in Vienna. Zog was fired upon as he was getting into his car but was unharmed in the attack. Minister Eqrem Libohva was wounded and Zog’s guard Llesh Topallaj was shot three times in the head as the attackers thought he was Zog. Austrian authorities quickly arrived and ensured the safety of the leader.
All members of the opposition group were rounded up but most were released and simply exiled from Austria. As for the men who attempted the assassination they both served less than 4 years in prison. With such light punishments for those who would attempt to kill him, it is much less surprising that there were so many attempts.