TIRANA, Oct 13 /ATA/ Interior Minister Ervin Demo said today that violence against individuals and institutions was unacceptable and could not be justified by the right to protest.
In a video message, he described the events outside the Ministry of Education as worrying.
“Today, in Luxembourg, Albania received further recognition for its progress towards EU membership with the provisional closure of another accession negotiation chapter. This progress brings with it a responsibility to uphold European standards in how our institutions handle dissent and safeguard citizens’ rights,” Demo said.
Demo expressed concern for everyone injured, whether students, members of the public, journalists or police officers, and wished them all a speedy recovery. He stressed that the relevant institutions would publish a full and verified tally of those injured.
The interior minister also unequivocally condemned attacks on police officers and damage to public and private property.
“Peaceful protest is a democratic right that our state fully guarantees. Violence against people and institutions cannot be justified in the name of this fundamental right,” Demo added.
Demo stressed that the State Police had a duty to protect citizens, institutions and public safety. In this regard, he said police officers deserved support in carrying out their duties in accordance with the law and had the right to protection against any attacks on them.
At the same time, he emphasised that every police action must be lawful, necessary and proportionate.
“The competent authorities will impartially examine every allegation of unlawful or disproportionate use of force, without prejudging the outcome of any investigation. Any footage or evidence that could help establish the full facts of the incident must be preserved and verified. The law must be applied equally to everyone,” he said.
Demo also said that responsibility must be established on an individual basis and determined by the evidence. “Taking part in the same protest does not make anyone responsible for the actions of another person standing beside them,” he added.
Demo called on the relevant authorities to take measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further clashes, while ensuring public safety and the right to peaceful protest.
“Journalists must be able to carry out their work safely. European standards require a state that maintains public order, respects freedoms and is accountable for its own actions. This is the responsibility we must fulfil following today’s events,” Demo said.
/a.f/r.e/sm/
