Europe

Albanian Government Imposes New Measures to Tackle Protests

Does this crack down on genuine criminal vandalism or is Rama using repression to silence a generation demanding change?

3 hours ago·Updated 1 hour ago

Albanian Government Imposes New Measures to Tackle Protests

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Above: Protesters in an anti-government demonstration in Tirana, Albania, on Oct. 17. Image credit: Armend Nimani/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

The Albanian government imposed a suite of new measures on demonstrators on Wednesday after weeks of student-led protests in Tirana, the country's capital, demanding Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.
The Guardian
TVP World
Under the new rules, local police directors, with a prefect's approval, may restrict assemblies for up to 72 hours around educational, health care and state institutions where there is a "serious and imminent risk of violence." Courts must settle any appeals within 48 hours.
Albanian Government
In addition, the government introduced fines ranging from 50,000 lek to 500,000 lek ($613.50 to $6,134.97) for anyone who refuses to comply with a police order to terminate and disperse an assembly, while simultaneously concealing their identity.
Albanian Government
Albanian Government
According to Rama, the fines, which can exceed five times the average monthly salary in Albania, would also apply to anyone who chooses to remain with a crowd committing "violent acts," such as vandalism, assault and arson.
Albanian Government
Trading Economics
Separately, the legislative package established fines ranging from 10,000 lek to 100,000 lek for participating in a prohibited assembly or refusing to leave a protected area, along with a 5,000 lek fine per person, per day for obstructing road traffic.
Albanian Government
Protests against Rama began in May with rallies opposing a luxury coastal project backed by Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law. However, as the demonstrations transformed into a general anti-government movement, protests turned violent in mid-October, with more than 350 people injured.
BBC News
Sky News
EuroNews
Reuters

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Peaceful protest deserves protection, but torching businesses and looting shops is not free expression. Shopkeepers who lost everything shouldn't have to wait years in court while taxpayers foot the bill for someone else's rampage. Rules that make vandals pay and unmask street violence are standard across Europe, and Albania deserves the same.

Albanian Government

Government-critical narrative

The government's response to these legitimate protests has been nothing short of a disgrace. A generation fed up with corruption, rigged opportunity and a stolen future has every right to fill the streets, but instead of engaging, the government chose repression. Rama must resign for this outrage and allow free elections to determine Albania's future.

Democratic Party of Albania