Edi Rama has presented a new legal package with six measures against protests in Tirana, which foresees fines of up to 5 million old lekë, prison sentences, registration of protesters under investigation and restrictions on travel abroad.
Rama stated that the package was drafted in cooperation with European partners and aims to punish violence during protests. However, some of the announced measures also affect participants in rallies, including those who stand in a group where other people are exercising violence.
1. Fines of up to 5 million old lekë even for protesters who do not use violence themselves
One of the strongest measures announced by Rama is the imposition of fines even against people who stand in a group of protesters where damage is being caused, regardless of whether they themselves commit the violent acts.
"Whoever chooses to remain in a group knowing that everything around them is being broken and destroyed will be held accountable through a fine, along with those who commit violent acts. The fine will go up to 500 thousand new lek," Rama declared.
The Prime Minister also warned of fines for participating in unauthorized gatherings, disobeying dispersal orders, and concealing identity. A fine of 5,000 new leks is foreseen for blocking traffic.
2. Register for protesters under investigation and warning for ban on leaving Albania
The government aims to create a special electronic registry with data on persons referred or under investigation for criminal offenses against the state.
According to Rama, the information will be administered by the State Police and may also be forwarded to foreign authorities and transport companies.
"People who intend to evade criminal offenses will be denied entry. Foreign authorities will also be notified of the danger they pose. This includes air, sea or train transport companies," the prime minister declared.
Rama warned that people who engage in violence during the protests will face consequences even for traveling to Europe.
3. Changes to the Criminal Code: Prison for masked protesters and harsher sentences
The package provides for changes to the Criminal Code, toughening penalties for a number of actions during the protests.
"Hiding the face, fine up to 6 months in prison (when there is violence in the protest). Anyone who reveals their face as soon as they hear the police order is not punished," said Rama.
He also warned of prison sentences of up to two years for people caught with weapons or other illegal items, as well as tougher penalties for damaging property and assaulting police officers.
4. The police will also intervene against calls for violent protests on social media
The amendments to the law on gatherings aim to give the State Police new powers to intervene against calls for violence online.
"When identifying a call for violence on social networks, the Police immediately sends a notification to delete the notification. If it is not deleted, the Police acts through criminal sentencing," Rama declared.
The package also provides for the establishment of security perimeters around facilities considered sensitive, as well as new criminal provisions for cyber threats, the publication of data that exposes people to attacks, and the use of artificial intelligence to cause damage.
5. Protesters will pay damages, parents responsible for minors
The government has announced a compensation mechanism for businesses damaged during the protests.
According to Rama, the state will cover 100% of the damages for small businesses and 70% for large businesses, while it will then seek financial responsibility from the persons who caused the damages.
"Those who were involved in those acts will each pay their share of the fine. For damages caused by minors, compensation will be passed on to the parents," the prime minister declared.
6. Suspension or expulsion for teachers who lead students to protests
Another announced measure is the adoption of a code of ethics for pre-university education teachers, which provides for disciplinary measures for involving students in illegal protests.
"No teacher can lead children to illegal protests, using his authority. Whoever does so will be suspended or expelled," Rama declared.
He also claimed that people who had come from Spain as mercenaries to inflict violence had participated in the protest the previous day, but in the quoted statement he did not present evidence for this claim.
The package presented by Rama includes legal changes and government acts that aim to toughen the criminal, administrative and financial consequences for actions during the protests.
The Prime Minister insisted that the measures do not restrict peaceful protest, while their content raises questions about how individual responsibility will be determined and how restrictions will be applied to participants in gatherings. ©Lapsi.al
