A five-point declaration, initiated by the Forum for Political Dialogue, has so far gathered the signatures of 735 educators who oppose the alleged violence against students during the protests and call for changes in the country’s direction. Through this document, the signatories appeal to Prime Minister Edi Rama to listen to the students’ demands, resign, and pave the way for the formation of a caretaker government. According to them, such a government should guarantee institutional stability, calm the political situation, and respect the will of the citizens.
Among the names that have signed the declaration are academics Stefan Çapaliku and Ardian Ndreca, as well as Fatos Tarifa, Zyhdi Teqja, Andri Koxhaj, Petraq Milo, Gjok Vuksani, Fatos Qerimaj, Gentian Stroni, Enkeleda Olldashi, Kozeta Bakiu, Suzana Guxholli, Areti Stringa, Voltana Ademi, Enida Bozhegu, Lutfi Dervishi and Arbër Rendi, a member of the Academic Senate.
In the text of the declaration, the educators express concern over what they describe as unjustified violence against students and violations of human rights during the protests. In addition to the appeal addressed to the prime minister, the signatories ask the Police and the institutions responsible for public order to stop any act of violence against students. They also appeal to officers not to carry out orders they consider illegal.
The declaration is also addressed to diplomatic missions in Tirana, which are asked to react publicly in defense of citizens’ rights. Another point of the document concerns the behavior of protesters. The educators ask them to protect businesses, as well as public and private property, arguing that this would prevent justifications for the use of violence and the delegitimization of the protest.
Finally, the signatories call on the citizens of Tirana to join the students, referring also to the student movements of 1991. “If we are leaders in university lecture halls, today the students are our leaders in the square. Join us to protect them from violence,” the declaration concludes.