TIRANA, Oct 19 /ATA/Prime Minister Edi Rama responded in a social media post about the protests held in Tirana in recent days, stressing that the right to protest should not be confused with acts of violence.
Sharing a photograph from protests in various European countries, Rama urged citizens not to fall victim to what he described as media manipulation and called on peaceful demonstrators to distance themselves from individuals engaging in violent acts.
“Protests are a right, while violence is a crime, and this red line must be drawn firmly at this critical stage of our democratic development. Citizens must remain patient and avoid falling victim to pressure from media manipulators and the images circulating on their phone screens,” Rama stressed.
According to Rama, protesters must distance themselves from those engaging in violence or risk facing the same financial consequences.
“Those who commit acts of violence must and will face the legal and financial consequences of their reckless actions,” Rama stressed.
The prime minister also reiterated his and the governing majority’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
“I and the governing majority are ready to engage in dialogue with anyone except those who commit acts of violence and political parties that refuse to distance themselves from it. Anywhere, at any time, without conditions,” he said.
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