JOINT PRESS STATEMENT

Stop the violence, protect lives and uphold the right to peaceful protest!

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, call for an immediate end to violence and restraint from everyone amid escalating tensions and reports of injuries during recent protests in Albania. Protecting the lives, health and dignity of protesters, police officers, journalists and bystanders must be the absolute priority.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right guaranteed by Article 47 of the Albanian Constitution, Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

We call on participants to protest peacefully, without attacking others or destroying property.

The authorities have a duty to facilitate peaceful protest, de-escalate tensions and prevent injuries. Any use of force by the police must be lawful, strictly necessary and proportionate, with non-violent means used first. Acts of violence by individual participants do not justify indiscriminate action against peaceful protesters.

We condemn any unjustified or disproportionate use of force by the police against protesters and stress that maintaining public order cannot justify violations of individuals’ physical integrity, dignity and fundamental rights.

We call for immediate medical assistance for anyone injured, special protection for children and respect for the rights of every person detained. All allegations of violence or unlawful use of force must be investigated promptly, independently and impartially.

We urge political representatives and state leaders to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and create space for dialogue. Respect the right to peaceful protest. Protect every person’s life and dignity. No life should be put at risk.

Signatory organisations

1. Civil Rights Defenders, Albania

2. SCiDEV

3. AWEN Network

4. Gender Alliance for Development Centre

5. Faktoje Centre

6. Albanian Institute of Science (AIS)

7. Balkan Investigative Reporting Network in Albania (BIRN Albania)

8. Erasmus Tirana Network

9. Citizens.al

10. Amfora Centre

11. Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA)

12. Albanian Center for Economic Research (ACER)

13. Partners Albania

14.Centre for Comparative and International Studies (QSKN)

15. Albanian Centre for Quality Journalism

16. Information and Active Citizenship Network (INAC)

17. Together for Life

18. Association of Journalists of Albania (ASHG)