TIRANA, April 20 /ATA/ Tirana Court on Monday remanded five protesters in custody following their detention on Friday evening during the rally organized by the Democratic Party.
Judge Enkel Peza also accepted the prosecution’s request to impose the security measure of regular reporting to the authorities on six other protesters who were detained during the same rally on April 17, 2026.
During today’s court hearing, the prosecution asserted that five of the detainees were apprehended while carrying Molotov cocktails and attempting to target the Council of Ministers building.
The prosecution has charged the protesters with “Assault against officials in the line of duty,” “Disturbance of public order,” “Destruction of property by fire,” “Obstruction of law enforcement officers,” and “Illegal production and possession of dangerous devices.”
During today’s hearing, the defense requested the recusal of Judge Enkel Peza, arguing that he and his family members have previously held positions within the local structures of the Socialist Party in Kavaja. However, this request was dismissed by Judge Dritan Hallunaj.
Present at the session were also a group of Democratic Party MPs, led by the party’s Secretary General, Flamur Noka.
On the other hand, the Democratic Party has pressed charges against Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, State Police Director General Skënder Hita, and the entire police leadership, arguing that they directed the operation against opposition protesters and used bear spray against them.
The Tirana Court has remanded in custody Klement Çuçka, Bujar Tusha, Henri Shapllo, Mirvel Tocilla, and Semi Bici.
Meanwhile, Bardhyl Ndou, Sokol Bajraktari, Igball Domi, Gentjan Tuga, Ernest Kapo, Edison Shyti were placed under the security measure of mandatory reporting to the judicial police.
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