According to him, a total of 201 police officers were injured during the demonstrations.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, Hita said investigations were ongoing, with police analysing footage to identify those involved in attacks on officers, state institutions and public and private property.

Some suspects had attempted to conceal their identities by wearing masks, he added.

Hita urged citizens to distance themselves from violence and called on parents to prevent their children from becoming involved in dangerous situations.

He stressed that police would protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest while acting in accordance with the law and the principle of proportionality against those resorting to violence.

The police chief also highlighted the importance of cooperation with the media, describing journalists, camera operators and photojournalists as important partners in informing the public and ensuring institutional transparency.

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Hita also announced that seven police officers had been suspended and disciplinary investigations launched over alleged abuse of authority, failure to observe the principle of proportionality and their treatment of a protester.

“For five days, the State Police have faced acts of violence during demonstrations, with masked and violent individuals attacking police officers and public institutions for hours and damaging public and private property,” Hita told a news conference.

He said police had repeatedly urged demonstrators to distance themselves from violence and masked individuals and to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Police units have conducted investigative and procedural operations in several cities to identify and bring to justice those involved in violence, property damage and attacks on officers, he added.

“I want to assure citizens that no police officer has at any time or under any circumstances been ordered to act contrary to standard operating procedures. Any identified case of exceeding authority or failing to follow these procedures will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Hita said.

He stressed that officers had been instructed to follow standard procedures and the principle of proportionality in all interventions, including self-defence against attacks.

Hita said that, as in European Union countries, police used equipment authorised by law and standard operating procedures to maintain public order and safety and protect officers. Its use, he said, was governed by the legal framework and the level of risk.

According to the police chief, officers had been attacked during the protests with stones, paving slabs, metal objects, metal ball bearings fired from slingshots, pyrotechnics, Molotov cocktails and other objects.

A total of 132 police officers have been injured, mainly in Tirana but also in Shkodër and Lezhë. Some remain in hospital receiving medical treatment, he said.

Hita also warned of repeated calls for violence against police officers on social media, particularly in recently created public Telegram groups. Information gathered as part of criminal investigations indicated that the calls sought to encourage attacks using any available means, including incendiary and explosive materials.

Similar messages were posted on Saturday morning, urging masked protesters to obtain various items to attack police and set fire to police vehicles, he said.

The State Police were taking steps to identify and apprehend those involved and respond to criminal acts in accordance with the law, Hita added, stressing the need to protect officers, state institutions and public and private property.

He called on those involved in violence to stop their illegal actions immediately and urged citizens to distance themselves from violent individuals, whom he said did not represent students or their aspirations.

“The State Police are under no circumstances against citizens, the media, students or our children. On the contrary, they support the constitutional right to protest and assemble peacefully,” Hita said.

He also urged parents and family members not to allow minors to take part in protests where violence could escalate.

“Children must not be exposed to danger or used as shields by violent and masked individuals. Their safety must come above everything else,” he said.

Hita said police would continue to enforce the law, protect lives and property, safeguard public institutions and uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

“Public safety, the protection of life and property, and enforcement of the law remain our non-negotiable obligations,” he said.

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The director of the regional police, the chief of Shkoder police, the head of the police station in the village of Theth, and several subordinates were removed or suspended. The police station chief in Theth has been suspended pending a disciplinary investigation.

Proda criticized police failures to act on unauthorized building in a protected area, despite prior reports to prosecutors, and said disciplinary procedures have also begun against other officers.

“The station chief’s unjustified inaction made clear he can no longer be part of the State Police,” Proda told reporters. “Those who fail to act will not wear the uniform again.”

He warned local police officials they will be held personally responsible for illegal construction, property seizures, and abuses in their areas.

Proda also urged citizens to report police misconduct and vowed to treat double parking as a criminal offense to protect public safety and access.

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