Interior Minister Ervin Demo, in a two-week assessment of the student protests, described the involvement of minors in acts of violence as worrying, saying they were used by organizers at the front line. At a press conference alongside State Police Director Skënder Hita, Minister Demo said that so far 269 minors under the age of 18 have been taken into custody.
“Minors have been used by organizers, who have placed them at the front line of the attack while they themselves stay behind. The detention figures show that their number is worrying. There are 269 detained under the age of 18. This shows the great challenge we face in addressing this wound, which is in fact a phenomenon that must be given the proper direction. For minors, we must find the way and the proper support so that this phenomenon becomes a bitter memory of these last weeks”, Demo said. He also addressed threats against State Police leaders, for which the police have referred several cases, stressing that these threats were made through public communication channels by individuals who had organized attacks against the police.
”The State Police has referred cases of threats made against certain leaders, who have used public communication channels to organize attacks against the police. This is unprecedented. We will pursue legal steps to ensure that every employee carries out their duty with the necessary protection. The government’s approach is clear: we are open to dialogue with anyone who seeks dialogue on specific issues.”,-Demo said.
The toll of injured stands at 347 people. Interior Minister Ervin Demo said that of these, 107 are protesters, while 39 are passersby, including journalists. In cases where the principle of proportionality in the use of force was exceeded, he stressed that the State Police has taken measures and placed 7 employees under investigation. ”These figures are a wake-up call regarding the level of violence and the proportionate treatment that the State Police has carried out. The position of the Ministry of Interior is clear: we guarantee the constitutional right, as well as proportionate intervention. The State Police has taken the appropriate measures, 7 employees suspended and under investigation, but also the AMP is working on dozens of cases that have been referred by citizens or investigations into specific incidents”, Demo said.
Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said that 201 officers were injured during the protests. Hita called on parents to exercise increased care and not to allow their children to become involved in illegal protests. ”52 persons have been identified for violent acts, despite their attempts to conceal their identities. Investigative work and review of camera footage continues. I repeat the call to parents: exercise care and do not allow minor children to become part of the violence. The police will act in accordance with the law. The right to protest is not prohibited, but violence cannot be justified”, Hita said.
On the other hand, Hita responded to reports of police obstruction of journalists while reporting in the field, stressing that media freedom and the right to information must be respected and protected. Hita stated that journalists, camera operators and photojournalists carry out a mission of public interest, and that any claim of obstruction of their work or inappropriate conduct by officers will be handled seriously and in accordance with the law. He also emphasized the importance of cooperation and communication between the police and the media, especially during protests and tense situations, guaranteeing that public safety and freedom of information must coexist. ”The right of journalists to exercise their profession freely and independently must be respected and protected. Any claim of obstruction of their work will be handled in accordance with the law”, declared Skënder Hita.