The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana.
Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and students to be used as shields for acts of violence against institutions and private property.
“For nearly 72 hours, the capital has been facing waves of violence, arson and destruction, putting the lives and safety of citizens at risk. During these incidents, 71 police officers have been injured, some of them seriously.
The police guarantee the constitutional right of every citizen, student or political group to protest peacefully, but protests cannot serve as a shield for violence and the destruction of property.
Every attack on a police officer is an attack on the rule of law and the state itself. Anyone who has used violence against the police or damaged institutions, public or private property will be identified and face the law.
I ask police officers to demonstrate professionalism and restraint and not to be provoked, but not to back down.
I call on protesters to distance themselves from masked and violent individuals. Responsibility is individual. Those responsible will face the law. Stop the violence against the police! Every act of violence endangers the lives and health of citizens.
The message is clear and firm: Do not mistake restraint for weakness. The police will not back down in the face of violence. Institutions and citizens will be protected,” Hita stated.
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