Interior Minister Ervin Demo reacted to the violence recorded during yesterday’s protest in Tirana, condemning attacks on police officers and damage to public and private property.
He stressed that every act of violence must be investigated and those responsible must be held accountable under the law, while also emphasizing that any claim of unlawful or disproportionate use of force by the police must be investigated impartially.
Demo said the government remains open to dialogue with citizens, stressing that peaceful protest is a right that must be respected, but violence cannot be justified or used as a means of pressure on institutions.
Full reaction:
Yesterday, the center of Tirana once again faced a serious wave of violence. Masked individuals attacked State Police officers with stones, pyrotechnic devices, sticks and other hard objects, damaged public institutions, and destroyed and looted private property, endangering the lives and safety of citizens and law enforcement forces.
These acts have nothing in common with peaceful protest or with citizens’ constitutional right to express their grievances. Acts of violence cannot be justified in the name of protest, nor be used as a political instrument to destabilize or attack the country’s institutions.
Responsibility does not necessarily stop with the direct perpetrators. Any suspicion of the organization, financing or incitement of acts of violence, including the possible involvement of political structures or extremist groups, must be investigated by the competent authorities and assessed on the basis of evidence.
For every violation of the law, the determination of individual responsibility will be sought and, where applicable, responsibility for damage caused to public and private property, in accordance with legal procedures.
But I want to be equally clear about another fundamental principle: the law is the same for everyone, including those who wear the uniform of the State Police.
Any claim of unlawful or disproportionate use of force must be investigated impartially. The suspension of a police officer and the launch of investigations into the case of the young man injured in the eye are concrete steps toward fully clarifying the incident and determining responsibilities on the basis of evidence.
Every citizen and every injured police officer deserves attention, care and respect. Public safety is, above all, the protection of people’s lives and physical integrity.
I express my support and gratitude to the State Police officers who, under difficult conditions and in the face of danger, continue to carry out their duties. This duty requires determination, but always professionalism, self-restraint and respect for the law.
In France, in Italy, in Albania or in any European democracy, the principle is the same: the freedom to protest is protected, while acts of violence are dealt with according to the law.
The government remains open to dialogue with citizens and to addressing their legitimate demands. The voice of citizens must be heard, but violence cannot be a means of pressure on institutions, nor a substitute for democratic dialogue.
Our task is to guarantee that every citizen can protest freely and safely, that the Police exercise their authority only within the limits of the law, and that no one stands above it.
Determination against violence.
Respect for peaceful protest. Accountability before the law, without exception