TIRANA, Oct. 23 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha accused Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday of manipulating figures on the number of protesters and police officers injured during recent demonstrations in Albania, saying the number of injured protesters was far higher than reported.
Speaking at a news conference, Berisha said Rama had acted “like a spokesman for the prosecutor’s office of a bygone era” by revealing the names of people he described as having criminal records.
“He presented a gallery of names, accusing them of various offences, ranging from weapons offences to drug production and use, and even incest,” Berisha said.
He put the ratio of injured protesters to police officers at least 15 to one, potentially reaching 30 to one, claiming that dozens or hundreds of injured protesters had avoided hospitals for fear of persecution.
Berisha said many protesters had been injured in clashes near the Ministry of Education, adding that minors had the right to defend their rights under international conventions and Albanian law.
He cited the toppling of former communist leader Enver Hoxha’s statue on Feb. 21, 1991, saying a 13- or 14-year-old had played a key role in the event.
“Minors have made history, and they continue to do so. They may be young, but their courage is boundless,” Berisha said.
He also criticised Rama for publishing images of people detained during the protests, citing the case of a medical student who denied media reports of involvement in criminal activity.
“He was a straight-A student, yet Rama portrayed him as a criminal,” Berisha said.
The opposition leader warned that the government’s handling of the student protests risked escalating tensions and could lead to civil conflict.
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