Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, clarified the use of rubber bullets this Saturday during the student protest in Tirana, stressing that officers used only permitted and certified equipment in a limited way. Hita also said that protesters threw metal nuts and bolts at officers.
”The permitted police equipment and devices that were used were used in a limited way, as we use defined means, as in all EU countries. The police use only equipment certified for this purpose. In these violent protests, we cannot think that a small group represents all protesters, both the peaceful and the violent ones. Nuts and bolts, fired with other devices, have injured many police officers. One of the officers suffered serious injuries to the mouth and jaw, with multiple fractures”, Hita said.
Meanwhile, the State Police director said that 132 police officers were injured during the acts of violence, and called on citizens to stop attacks and threats against the blue uniforms. ”Seven officers have also been suspended from duty. An investigation has begun immediately.
I want to assure citizens that no police officer has received an order to act against the law. During acts of violence, including in EU countries, the state police use the appropriate means. The use of these means is carried out in accordance with the legal framework. Police officers have been attacked with Molotov cocktails, stones, slingshots, and other objects. 132 police officers have been injured.
Some of them are receiving medical assistance. There have been continuous calls for violence against police on social networks. Even during this morning, calls were published to attack the police and set fire to vehicles and institutions. The State Police has taken measures to protect the police and institutions. I call on the persons carrying out these acts of violence to stop immediately”.