Clirim Gjata, the Legal Affairs Secretary for the Albanian Democratic Party has announced that today, a criminal complaint regarding the demolition of the National Theatre will be filed with the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor (SPAK).
During a press conference, Gjata stated that two weeks have passed since the incident which included multiple instances of violence against citizens, by the police. He said that video footage has provided evidence of the use of automatic weapons when removing citizens from the Theatre, as well as violence against activists, artists, students, citizens, members of the Opposition, and journalists.,
“The act of destroying the National Theater is both illegal and unconstitutional, as well as criminal and anti-national. This ugly act is raised against our national heritage, historical memory, Albanian culture, and art, but also against the European historical heritage, thus putting a heavy stain on Albania’s relations with Europe.”
Gjata noted that the Alliance for the Protection of the Theatre have filed a criminal complaint and that SPAK must act “without wasting time”. He said that those responsible were Prime Minister Edi Rama, Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj, Interior Minister Sander Lleshaj, and Police Chief Ardi Veliu.
“The crime committed was seen by everyone…the prosecution should have acted to arrest all those who violated the law…”
He said that at least nine criminal offences have been committed including the destruction of property, abuse of office, and corruption of officials.
“The establishment of justice for the Theatre will be an important proof of the functioning of the SPAK.”
