Police declare opposition protest illegal in Albania

Albania's police say the protest that will take place tomorrow by the opposition is illegal.

In a statement, police say this has been made known by the media, while having received no legal notice of the protest and based on the Law “on gatherings”, cannot allow protests by anyone, who on behalf of freedom of rally, violate the freedom and security of others.

The development of the media-rated protest for its very nature constitutes a serious violation of the law, public order and the freedom of security of any citizen, who has the right to use spaces occupied by such a protest.

Organisers of this illegal protest will face the law for any unforeseen consequences, which could bring an organised protest to stir up confusion and conflict at nerve points for the circulation of people and tools”, the police statement said.

State police say they recognise and respect the right to protest as immune. But it has legal responsibility, as well as willingness not to allow citizens' interest to be violated.

The statement says that “State Police appeal to all citizens not to fall prey to a policy committed to hitting the country's legality and institutions, damaging the interests of people and the country's own”.

The development of an illegal protest can be used by elements with criminal precedents and promoted or paid to create social instability”, the statement further states.

Viewing it as dangerous for order and security, police urge every citizen not to become part of this protest.

The State Police also apologise to every citizen in advance, in case he cannot afford to serve freedom of circulation properly.