Disturbing video footage of police interventions in Tirana has raised serious concerns over alleged violence against protesters, including minors. The European Union has called for an urgent investigation into the excessive use of force against citizens and journalists. CIVIL – Center for Freedom sent a direct message to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama: “Democracy is not defended by beating protesters!”
Police batons against young protesters
Mass anti-government protests in Tirana, which continued on 17 October, have been accompanied by serious allegations of police brutality.
Footage of forceful police interventions, detentions and the use of force against young protesters has appeared on social media and in Albanian media.
Albanian media have reported incidents in which police officers beat young people, including during arrests. Allegations of violence against minors are particularly troubling.
The protests, fuelled by dissatisfaction with education policies, corruption and economic conditions, escalated into violent clashes. Some protesters attacked police officers and damaged public and private property, while police used tear gas and water cannons.
However, violence by individual protesters cannot justify the indiscriminate or excessive use of force.
European Union calls for an investigation
The EU Delegation to Albania expressed concern over the escalation of violence and called for allegations of excessive police force against protesters and journalists to be investigated as a matter of priority.
The EU recalled that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental democratic rights, and that police interventions must be lawful, necessary and proportionate.
Albanian Interior Minister Ervin Demo announced that the relevant institutions would examine the allegations and establish individual responsibility on the basis of evidence.
CIVIL sends a direct message to Edi Rama
In response to reports and footage of police interventions, CIVIL – Center for Freedom posted a direct message in Albanian to Prime Minister Edi Rama on its official Facebook page:
Translated into English:
“Mr Edi Rama, democracy is not defended by beating protesters! It is defended through the rule of law, accountability and respect for human dignity.”
In a separate message in Albanian and English, CIVIL also published a longer statement highlighting the basic democratic principles that require those in power to protect citizens, including people who publicly oppose their policies.
DEMOCRACY IS DEFENDED THROUGH THE RULE OF LAW
The right to peaceful protest is not a privilege granted or withdrawn by those in power. It is a fundamental human right, guaranteed by international democratic standards.
The police are responsible for maintaining public order and preventing violence and property damage. That responsibility does not give them the right to beat, humiliate or punish protesters.
Any possible abuse of force against minors, detained people and journalists is especially troubling.
For Albania, an EU candidate country, an investigation into police conduct is an important test of the rule of law.
No political crisis can justify violations of human rights. A state aspiring to European democracy must demonstrate that not only through declarations, but also by holding those responsible to account for any abuse of police powers.
The cases of police violence in Albania raise questions that reach beyond the current political crisis. The responses from the European Union and human rights organisations, including CIVIL, and their calls for an independent investigation were unequivocal. It remains to be seen whether Albanian institutions will ensure a full investigation of the incidents and accountability for any abuses.
CIVIL MEDIA Newsroom