New penalties for demonstrations
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday announced new legislation intended to tackle violence at street protests after several weeks of clashes between anti-government protesters and police. Rama described the package as "a new package against violence and urban anarchy." It includes compensation for small businesses that suffer damage during demonstrations and allows police to limit protests at several public institutions. Rama blamed the head of the opposition, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, for the violence, as well as "Antifa [anti-fascist] extremists" and foreign actors who do not want Albania in the European Union. The laws will also establish a "special electronic register" for individuals suspected of committing criminal offences against the state, public order, or public security.
| Offence | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Participation in unauthorised gathering or failure to comply with calls to disperse | 100 to 1,000 euros |
| Failure to comply with an order to disperse or concealing identity with masks | Up to 5,000 euros |
The legislation makes "remaining at the scene of violence following police warnings" a criminal offence and classifies "organising a gathering that has been prohibited by a lawful decision" as criminal. Additionally, "calls for violence on social media" will be classified as criminal violence, and police can demand that users delete social media posts that incite violence, "while also offering psychological support when needed." The law also imposes fines from 100 to 1,000 euros for participation in an unauthorised gathering or failure to comply with calls to disperse. Authorities can also fine participants for the obstruction of traffic. For teachers, a new code of ethics stipulates that schools must remain a safe space for children and prohibits instructors from using their authority to take students under the age of 18 to gatherings that go against the interests of the children or the expectations of parents. Activists claim these measures threaten freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
Police use force during weekend clashes
On Saturday, police used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse protesters who shouted slogans for revolution and the imprisonment of Rama and Berisha because the demonstrators demand that the current administration resign. One protester, Erjon Vishkulli, required emergent medical treatment in Italy after a rubber bullet injured his eye. Police also launched an administrative investigation for both cases after officers were seen beating another protester who was not resisting, and they suspended the officer involved in the incident. Protesters during the clashes shouted "Revolution". These weekend demonstrations continue a cycle of protests that began on May 31 in opposition to a proposed luxury tourist resort in a protected environmental area in Zvernec linked to Jared Kushner. The demonstrations turned violent in October as young people demanded Rama step down because they accuse the government of corrupt governance and economic mismanagement.
