A coalition of 18 civil society organisations as well as journalists have called on the Albanian police to stop using violence against protestors and respect the human right of assembly following an increase in incidents.
The call comes after police were criticised for heavy-handed approaches to citizens who have been protesting the cost of living over the last week. It also comes following an increase of instances of police violence against protestors and journalists over the last few years.
During the last week, police have arrested over 200 protestors on charges of “illegal gathering”, “resisting police forces”, “blocking traffic” or “disturbing the public peace”, while they were protesting in various towns and cities.
“We have seen with concern the disproportionate intervention of the state police forces, masked or plainclothes officers have often used violence in the company of over 200 protesters, 50 of whom have been arrested and about 150 others have been opened criminal proceedings. and have been declared wanted,” the letter initiated by Civil Rights Defenders stated.
Protestors have claimed that the arrests were made to intimidate them and prevent them from demonstrating.
One activist, Gentian Serjani, stated that protests cannot be considered illegal gatherings or disturbing public order, as the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution.
The activists also addressed the issue of police violence against journalists. A cameraman for Syri.tv reported being hit by whom he assumed was a plain-clothed policeman while filming a protest in Durres. Plain clothed officers have been present throughout the demonstrations, apprehending those taking part, including activists, women, and a disabled person.
A female journalist in Tirana ended up in the emergency department of the state hospital after being pushed and stamped on by police officers.
The police have not reacted or apologised for the behaviour of their officers.
Yesterday afternoon, the Albanian Media Council issued an alert and called on police to “pay maximum attention to every journalist and camera person at protests.” They noted that journalists play an essential role in reporting at protests, and “any episode of violence will be reported to the highest European and international institutions.
“We should not wait for journalists to be killed, to react.”
Reporters Without Borders also reacted to the reports and called for swift identification and sanctions against the officers.
The letters signatories call for respect for the media and protestors and dialogue to find solution to protestors demands.
