Interior Minister Ervin Demo said violence against people and institutions cannot be justified by the right to protest. In a video message, he described Tuesday’s events outside the Ministry of Education as concerning.

Meanwhile, Demo noted that Albania had provisionally closed another European Union negotiating chapter in Luxembourg earlier that day. He said this progress also brought responsibility to uphold European standards when responding to dissent and protecting citizens’ rights.

The minister expressed concern for everyone injured, including students, citizens, journalists and police officers. He said the responsible institutions would publish verified figures. He also condemned attacks on police officers and damage to public and private property.

At the same time, Demo stressed that peaceful protest remains a democratic right. He said police must protect citizens, institutions and public safety, while keeping every intervention lawful, necessary and proportionate. He added that competent authorities would impartially examine allegations of unlawful or disproportionate force and verify relevant footage and testimony before reaching conclusions.

Furthermore, Demo stressed that authorities must establish individual responsibility based on evidence. Attendance at the same protest does not make someone responsible for another person’s actions. He called on the responsible bodies to reduce tensions, prevent further clashes and safeguard the right to peaceful protest. He also emphasized that journalists must work safely and that institutions must remain accountable for their actions.

/a.p./