Some 2,000 effective State Police officers have been deployed to ensure order and security during today’s protest in Tirana, on the 19th day of the student protest.
In support of them, the Democratic Party is also in the square today, holding its second national rally since the student revolt began.
Police forces are positioned mainly at the back of the building. Water cannon trucks under pressure are on standby, as are Rapid Intervention Force officers equipped with special means.
The security operation involves the Shqiponja forces, the FNSH (Rapid Intervention Force), officers from Tirana’s police commissariats, plainclothes agents and drones to monitor the situation.
In addition to the increased police presence, protesters will also be monitored through high-resolution security cameras and drones, with the aim of identifying and documenting any possible legal violations.
The rally is taking place under the new normative act on protests, which gives additional powers to the State Police and provides for administrative sanctions for offenders. Fines range from 10,000 to 500,000 lek, depending on the violation, including disobeying orders to disperse the rally and covering one’s face.
Today’s protest marks the Democratic Party’s second national rally in support of the students since the protests began in the capital.