Albanian residents in Austria protested yesterday on the one month anniversary of the demolition of Albania’s National Theatre.
Congregating in the city of Linz, one of Austria’s largest cities, the group drew attention to the Albanian government’s approach to democracy and the various legal violations involved in the building’s demolition.
In a statement they said:
“A month ago today the Albanian government showed what it thinks of democracy and rule of law: Nothing. With numerous violations of the rule of law and ignoring the legitimate and honourable protests of civil society, the Albanian National Theatre was torn down in the middle of the night on the last day of COVID-19 restrictions.
For many Albanians, the National Theatre represents a cultural centre and an important place in their recent history. That is why the destruction of this national, cultural monument was a barbaric act and diametrically opposed to European values. Please support the democratically-minded citizens of Albania and don’t look away!”
Protestors distributed these words to passers-by and also held placards.
