Albania Introduces Fines for Protesters Who Stay in Violent Crowds
Albania has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for people who take part in a protest that turns violent, even if they do not commit violent acts themselves, The Guardian reported. Under the measures, anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd carrying out violence or looting in a public space, or who conceals their identity there, faces a fine of up to 500,000 leks, or about €5,500 (US$6,130). The average salary before tax in Albania is €930 (US$1,026) a month.
The measures were adopted by the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama. They take immediate effect, but parliament, the country's legislature, must approve them within 45 days for them to remain in force.
The fines come after months of anti-government protests in the capital, Tirana. The movement began peacefully in May with rallies against a luxury hotel project in a nature reserve, a project backed by Jared Kushner. In mid-October it became student-led, with demonstrators protesting perceived corruption, shortcomings in the health system and a lack of prospects for young people. The protesters are calling for Rama to resign. Some demonstrations have deteriorated into pitched battles between security forces and protesters.
On October 13, student protesters hurled bricks and concrete blocks at the Education Ministry in Tirana, and police fired tear gas, Reuters reported. Reuters also reported that tens of thousands of students stormed the streets that month, setting fire to a government building and two banks. Clashes between police and protesters continued into a sixth day as of October 18. Police figures cited in October put the number of detained protesters at 500.
The package also gives police powers to temporarily restrict gatherings in certain areas, including near educational, healthcare and government institutions, where there is a risk of violence. It provides for sanctions, or penalties, against online incitement to violence, and for compensation to small businesses damaged during protests. Where minors over the age of 14 take part in a violent protest, the fine would be paid by their parents or guardian, according to the government's own announcement.
Rama said he was inspired by a French bill that would make protesters financially liable for damage caused during street demonstrations. He has also stated that more than 130 people were physically injured due to unnecessary violence after a protest had ended.
