Dutch MEP Anna Strolenberg has raised the issue of police violence against protesting students in Albania in the European Parliament, urging the European Union not to remain indifferent to the images of young people being shot with rubber bullets, beaten and arrested.
In her speech, Strolenberg placed Edi Rama's responsibility and the reaction of European institutions at the center of the message, emphasizing that Albania cannot be treated as the prime minister's property.
She said that every day she is faced with images from protests that, according to her, show the use of force against young people, while accusing Rama of not listening to the demands of citizens and refusing to change his position.
'Protesters shot with rubber bullets, children beaten and arrested. All this because Edi Rama does not listen and refuses to change,' said Strolenberg.
Speech by MEP Anna Strolenberg:
I wish to request a motion for procedure, pursuant to Article 202 of the Rules of Procedure.
Albania of Albanians.
The Albania of Albanians and not the Albania of Edi Rama and the rich.
Every day I see images that I can't turn my back on. Protesters shot with rubber bullets, children beaten and arrested. All this because Edi Rama doesn't listen and refuses to change.
I am ashamed that the EU only condemned the violence of a few violent protesters, but did not condemn the excessive police violence against the majority of peaceful protesters.
We talk about values, but we do nothing when those values are violated.
People can forgive their enemies, but they will not forgive a friend who abandons them.
We have the means of influence, because Albania wants to become part of the EU and its government must undertake major changes, fight corruption, reform the police, and protect its citizens.
Albania is part of the European family and a family stands by each other.
