The chairman of the Union of University Employees of Albania, Aleksandër Kovaçi, has reacted sharply to police interventions during protests in front of the Ministry of Education, denouncing the use of force against students, academics and citizens who joined the gatherings. Kovaçi said rubber bullets were also used during the protests, citing the case of an academic staff member who was injured near the eye.
“One of our staff members suffered an injury near the eye and is still bandaged today from the damage caused by rubber bullets”, Kovaçi said, adding that the academic’s health condition is good, as he has received treatment at the hospital and continues to take part in the protests. The union leader stressed that the use of pressurized water and tear gas has not spared the academic community and intellectuals who took to the streets to support the protest.
“Pedagogues and intellectuals who were in the square were not spared either”, he said, emphasizing that participation in the protests is not limited to students or groups considered more radical, but also includes teachers, professors and citizens.
Commenting on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s calls for dialogue with university representatives, Kovaçi described them as an attempt to weaken and divide the student movement. “Rama’s invitation to dialogue is simply a trap for students. There can be no dialogue while violence continues on the ground”, the union leader said.
According to him, one cannot speak of a dialogue process while protesters face police interventions and the use of force. In conclusion, Kovaçi reaffirmed the support of the union and the teaching staff for the university boycott and the protests of young people, stressing that educators will not remain detached from the demands and the reaction of students.