Deputy Minister of the Interior Anisa Ruseti has called on young people to distance themselves from acts of violence during the protest, warning of the legal consequences of involvement in unlawful actions. In a statement to the media, Ruseti thanked the parents and guardians who responded to the call of the Ministry of Interior and accompanied their children to school, keeping them out of the protest, where, according to her, there is a risk of violent clashes. “Despite the isolated acts of violence recorded up to this afternoon, including the attack on the Court of Appeal in Tirana, the situation is under control and the State Police is on duty to guarantee public order and safety”, Ruseti stated. She stressed that minors can also bear criminal responsibility, referring to the Criminal Code, under which criminal liability for crimes begins at the age of 14, and for misdemeanours at the age of 16.
Media statement, Deputy Minister of the Interior Anisa Ruseti
Good day to everyone. On behalf of the Ministry of Interior, we would like to offer a special thanks to all parents and guardians who responded to our call for cooperation and today accompanied their children to attend their classes regularly, making it possible to keep them out of a protest where there is a risk of violent clashes.
Together with their teachers, they make it possible for this to be a normal day for them. I want to emphasise that, despite the isolated acts of violence recorded up to this afternoon, including the attack on the Court of Appeal in Tirana, the situation is under control and the State Police is on duty to guarantee public order and safety.
However, some young people continue to be involved in violent actions. For this reason, today we address them and their families with a clear message about the legal consequences of these actions. The exercise of the right to protest does not exempt them from individual responsibility for violence against citizens and police officers, damage and destruction of public or private property, arson, theft, or the unlawful possession of weapons and explosive devices.
Young people and parents should be informed that being a minor does not automatically exempt one from criminal responsibility. According to the Criminal Code, criminal liability for crimes begins at the age of 14, and for misdemeanours at the age of 16. Responsibility will be assessed individually, based on the actions and evidence for each person, while respecting the presumption of innocence in every case. No one should bear responsibility for the actions of others merely because they were at the same protest. The best interests of the child, the right to protection and treatment with dignity will guide every institutional action of the State Police and of the institutions of the Albanian state.
Our goal is one and the same: to prevent harm to minors and their further involvement in unlawful activities. We once again call on young people who are near the areas of clashes: step away from violence! Do not let someone else’s incitement, group pressure or calls on social networks lead you toward actions that could endanger your life and the lives of others! Exercise your right to protest peacefully and responsibly!
Parents and guardians, continue to cooperate with the institutions of the Albanian state! Talk with your children about the legal consequences, alongside the physical and psychological ones that violence brings! We thank you for the cooperation and sense of responsibility you have shown, and we ask for your understanding in continuing this cooperation for as long as necessary. Thank you.