Albert Nushi, Head of the Management Sector at the Public Security Department, announced at a press conference that 54 people were taken into police custody following the previous day’s violent protest. Of those, 27 were arrested and 27 others face criminal proceedings for property destruction and violence against police officers.
He said that searches of masked individuals uncovered a magazine containing live ammunition, Molotov cocktails and other hard objects used against police officers.
“The State Police have repeatedly called on protesters to distance themselves from violence and masked individuals, and to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The law on public assemblies prohibits participants from wearing clothing or carrying items, such as masks, scarves or other garments, intended to conceal their identity.
When individuals are identified during demonstrations as unlawfully concealing their identities and engaging in violence, the State Police act in accordance with their legal powers and relevant procedures, intervening to disperse gatherings when the legal conditions are met.
We emphasise that masked and violent groups spread across several streets in Tirana, setting fire to public and private property and destroying road signs.
They also set fire to the entrance of the Supreme Court building.
Despite the continuous attacks, police units continued carrying out their duties and detained 54 individuals in Tirana. Of these, 27 were arrested and 27 others face criminal proceedings for their involvement in acts of violence, property destruction and attacks against police officers.
During the investigation, police seized a magazine containing live ammunition, two Molotov cocktails, doses of cannabis, screws, metal balls and other material evidence used by masked and violent individuals during attacks on police officers,” the police official said.
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