The tense situation in Albania and allegations of police violence against protesters have attracted the attention of the Greek media. The Protothema newspaper has dedicated an article to the developments in the country, focusing on the demand for an investigation into the actions of the State Police and the role of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Dozens of representatives of civil society organizations, lawyers, students and citizens filed a criminal complaint with SPAK on October 23 against the Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, and other police leaders.
The prosecutors also demand an investigation into the role of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo, regarding the instructions given, communications with police leaders, and possible responsibility for interventions against protesters.
According to the complaint, over 180 alleged episodes of law violations have been documented during protests in Tirana and other cities. The organizations claim that masked officers, without identification numbers, as well as unidentified civilians, were involved in police operations and are suspected of using violence against citizens.
Another concern relates to the use of tear gas, other substances and rubber bullets, which, according to the complainants, were used disproportionately.
Through the complaint, SPAK is requested to investigate the entire chain of command to determine whether the alleged violence was a result of individual actions by officers or part of an organized practice to intimidate citizens and suppress protests.
The developments come at a time when Albania is facing protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, while human rights organizations have called for independent investigations and the accountability of the perpetrators of any possible violations.
