TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha commented on yesterday’s protest in the capital, stating that there were no incidents involving the students themselves.
In a message to citizens via social media, Berisha remarked that the “democratic public” was present at yesterday’s protest and he once again called for unity in support of the student uprising.
“There were no incidents caused by the students. However, they were absolutely all handsomely paid to provoke and incite incidents. But, those people were not students. If you re-examine the footage, you’ll see individuals who are 40 or 50 years old, others in their 30s—they have absolutely nothing in common with students,” Berisha stated.
Berisha emphasized that the “democratic public” has been—and will continue to be—in support of the students, standing in their defense. “Ever since the student uprising began—an initiative also called for by the Independent Higher Education Union, to which young members of the Democratic Party’s Youth Forum (in universities, high schools and beyond) were among the first to respond—the Democratic Party (DP) and its leaders have consistently participated. Beyond merely showing support through their presence, they have effectively defended students against the police, legal proceedings and other pressures,” he stated.
Berisha noted that over 600 students have received legal assistance from the party’s legal office.
The leader of the Democratic Party called for unity in support of the student uprising. “Those who think the protest belongs to them are, in one way or another, unconsciously replicating the restriction of the right to protest. No one can restrict another person’s right to protest. That is unimaginable,” he added. /m.m/p.s./
