The State Police has increased security measures for today’s protest in Tirana, following calls published on social media for the gathering of masked individuals equipped with dangerous items, with the aim of carrying out violence during the rally.
In a statement to the media, Albert Nushi, head of the Management Sector at the Public Security Department, said investigations have begun to identify those responsible, and called on protesters to distance themselves from acts of violence and to respect the law.
Police also appealed to parents to keep their children away from dangerous situations, and asked journalists to observe security perimeters while reporting in the field.
“Based on continuous calls on social media and open groups on online platforms for the gathering of masked individuals equipped with pyrotechnic materials, Molotov cocktails, spheres and metal screws, wooden and metal sticks, stones and other hard objects, with the aim of carrying out violence during the rally announced for today, the State Police has increased preventive and response measures to guarantee public order and security.
During yesterday and in the early hours of this morning, the State Police also recorded numerous calls for attacks against police officers, the destruction and burning of police vehicles, as well as damage to public and private property.
In connection with these calls, the State Police has initiated criminal proceedings, and specialized structures are carrying out investigative actions to identify those responsible and bring them to legal accountability.
Persons who intend to exploit the gathering to carry out violence, regardless of masking or attempts to conceal their identity, will be identified and will face legal responsibility.
Participants in the rally should distance themselves from masked and violent individuals and not become part of illegal actions.
We call on parents not to allow their children to take part in rallies or stay in places where their safety may be endangered by clashes and violent acts announced on social media. Protecting children from dangerous situations is a shared responsibility.
Journalists and media operators reporting from the field should respect the security perimeters set by the Police and the instructions of police officers, to avoid endangering their lives and health. We place the utmost importance on informing the public and on the free exercise of journalistic activity, in respect of security measures.
Once again, we appeal for calm, responsibility and respect for the law, so that the rally proceeds peacefully and without endangering anyone’s safety.
The constitutional right to assemble peacefully will be respected and protected, but it cannot be used as a justification for violence, attacks on police officers or destruction of property.
The State Police assures citizens that police services in the field will act in accordance with the law, respecting the principle of proportionality in responding to any act of violence or unlawfulness,” said Nushi.