- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,157.40-0.57%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,882-0.16%
- October 19, 202616°
- BIST10011,430-2.49%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,157.40-0.57%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN81,882-0.16%
- October 19, 202616°
Albania’s Rama accuses Russia and Iran over protests, draws link to Antifa
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama claimed that Russia and Iran had fueled anger with thousands of fake profiles during the anti-government protests, now in their second week, and that the unrest was linked to Antifa, but offered no evidence. Rama also announced a €2,500 payment for every officer on duty and said students who attack police would lose their scholarships.
As the anti-government protests that began in Albania on Oct. 13 entered their second week, Prime Minister Edi Rama argued on Monday at a meeting with State Police leaders in Tirana that foreign forces were behind the demonstrations. According to Rama, Albania is facing a coordinated attack aimed at undermining its goal of joining the European Union (EU).
“Tens of thousands of fake profiles”
According to the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), Rama alleged that Russia and Iran had used thousands of fake profiles on social networks to fuel discontent with the government, a process he said began with environmental protests against tourism projects in Zvërnec and on Sazan Island. “Thousands upon thousands, tens of thousands of fake profiles, specially created as if they were Albanians wanting to protect nature, were set in motion, just like the thousands set in motion by the terrorist Republic of Iran,” Rama said.
The prime minister also linked the protests to Antifa, which U.S. President Donald Trump has designated a terrorist organization. However, he presented no concrete evidence that Russian or Iranian intelligence had played a role in organizing the demonstrations and acknowledged that most participants were young Albanians. Questioning the student character of the movement, Rama said: “This is not a revolt for education.”
€2,500 for every officer
Rama announced that every officer serving at the protests would immediately be paid €2,500. Saying the amount would be the same for everyone regardless of rank and salary, he added that police salaries would rise “significantly” from Jan. 1, an increase he said had been agreed weeks ago while the new budget was being prepared.
In the footage below from Albanian broadcaster News24, a protester in a yellow hard hat is seen repeatedly striking shield-carrying police officers with a stick next to a police water cannon truck.
The prime minister said students who attack police would also face sanctions: “They will not have free education. Students who go out and assault the State Police will not have scholarships, they will not have financial support from the state.” Rama said damage caused by minors involved in the unrest would be recovered from their families, and that teachers who incite students to damage institutions would never see a school door again.
According to BIRN, Rama did not explain the legal basis for these measures, which institutions would enforce them, or whether they would depend on final court rulings.
Moscow: Those on the streets are your citizens
Moscow had responded on Sunday night to Rama’s earlier remarks pointing at Russia and Iran. In a statement published by the Russian Embassy in Tirana, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “No, Edi Rama, it is your country’s citizens who have taken to the streets to protest, and you should not blame others. Solve your own domestic problems.”
Criticism is also mounting at home. Belind Këlliçi, deputy chairman of the opposition Democratic Party (PD), argued that by offering police €2,500, Rama wanted violence against Albanians’ children and students to continue. In a declaration, 735 lecturers and academics demanded Rama’s resignation and an end to police violence against students. Albania’s ombudsman, the People’s Advocate, has opened an administrative inquiry into the use of force and the treatment of detainees, including minors.
About 300 injured
According to the authorities, about 300 people have been injured since Oct. 13, more than half of them police officers. On Sunday, Molotov cocktails were thrown at a police station and at the entrance of the Interior Ministry.
The footage below, aired by News24 with the caption “sixth day of the protest,” also shows demonstrators hurling Molotov cocktails at a police cordon in central Tirana.
Police have been responding to the demonstrations with water cannon and tear gas, and since Saturday also with rubber bullets. On Monday, hundreds of people again gathered in Tirana’s main square and outside the Education Ministry.
Yes to dialogue, no to resignation
Rama said he was ready for dialogue “at any hour, any day, anywhere” with everyone except political forces that stand behind the violence and do not distance themselves from it. But rejecting any deal involving his resignation or a change of government, Rama stressed that his mandate came from the elections and would end in 2029.
Stay Updated with The Turkiye Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
