FLASH
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The organization raises concerns about the use of tear gas without warning and violence against neutralized protesters, while also condemning violent acts committed by specific individuals...
The Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC) has reacted after monitoring the protest held on July 2, 2026 in front of the Albanian Parliament, expressing concern about the escalation of the situation, the acts of violence committed by specific individuals, as well as what it considers to be the disproportionate use of force by State Police officers against the protesters.
In its statement, AHC recalls that the right to peaceful assembly and protest is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Albania and the European Convention on Human Rights. According to the organization, the obligation of state institutions is not limited to allowing protest, but also includes creating conditions for citizens to exercise this right in a safe manner and without facing unnecessary or disproportionate use of force.
According to AHC monitoring, the protest was largely peaceful for a long period and violent acts committed by specific individuals cannot be attributed to all participants. The organization also refers to the practice of the European Court of Human Rights, according to which isolated incidents do not deprive a gathering of its peaceful character and do not violate the rights of protesters who do not use violence.
AHC notes that the situation changed after the incident with the vehicles attempting to leave the Parliament premises. According to the organization, police forces went from managing a calm situation to surrounding and pushing back protesters within a short time, only to continue using tear gas.
One of the main concerns raised is related to the use of tear gas, which, according to field monitoring, was not preceded by a public warning and protesters were not given reasonable time to disperse voluntarily. AHC emphasizes that such means should only be used as a measure of last resort, in a necessary and proportionate manner, also referring to the standards of the European Court of Human Rights and Albanian legislation.
The organization also expresses concern about the reported cases of the use of force against persons who, according to it, had been neutralized and were lying on the ground. According to AHC, the use of rubber batons, blows or other forms of force against persons who no longer pose a threat and do not resist is unacceptable and must be investigated immediately, independently and effectively.
The statement also mentions allegations of a lack of immediate care for detained persons who had health problems, emphasizing the obligation of the authorities to guarantee medical treatment and assistance in accordance with international standards.
At the same time, AHC underlines that the State Police has the obligation to protect public order, the security of citizens and institutions, but emphasizes that the use of force should always remain a last resort and be exercised only against specific persons who pose a risk. The organization adds that violence against police officers cannot be justified, just as police violence against protesters cannot be justified.
The Albanian Helsinki Committee calls on the Prosecutor's Office at the Court of First Instance of Tirana and the Police Supervision Agency to promptly and impartially investigate any allegations of illegal or disproportionate use of force. The organization also calls on the State Police to ensure that in future protests, the use of force is preceded by clear communication and warning, while it calls on the organizers of the protests to distance themselves from any act of violence.
AHC also asks representatives of public institutions to avoid publishing materials that, according to it, do not fully reflect the dynamics of events and to avoid language that collectively stigmatizes protesters.
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