5 million lek fines for protesters, The Guardian: Albanian government seeks to suppress rallies calling for Prime Minister Rama’s resignation

Measures taken by the Albanian government to fine protesters calling for the removal of Prime Minister Edi Rama have attracted the attention of foreign media.

The Guardian reports that the $6,000 fine, equivalent to six times the average monthly salary, will apply to people present at violent protests, even if they do not personally commit acts of violence.

“Albania has imposed fines of more than $6,000 on demonstrators who take part in a protest that turns violent, even if they personally do not commit acts of violence, as the government seeks to suppress rallies calling for the prime minister’s resignation,” the British newspaper writes.

The Guardian further writes that Tirana has been gripped by anti-government protests for months, with clashes between security forces and protesters escalating in recent days.

“The leaderless movement began peacefully in May, with rallies against a luxury hotel project in a nature reserve.

By mid-October, it had turned into a wave of student-led protests against perceived corruption, shortcomings in the healthcare system and the lack of prospects for young people in the country of 2.3 million inhabitants.

On Wednesday, the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama approved legislative measures imposing fines of up to 500,000 lekë (5,500 euros, 6,130 US dollars) on “anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd” that commits acts of violence or looting in a public space, or “conceals their identity.”

Police were also given powers to temporarily restrict rallies in certain areas, including near educational, healthcare and government institutions, if there was a risk of violence.

The measures also provide for sanctions against incitement to violence online and compensation for small businesses damaged during the protests.

The measures take effect immediately, but must be approved by parliament within 45 days.

Rama said on Sunday that he had been inspired by a French bill, approved by the upper house of parliament on Wednesday, that would make protesters financially liable for damage caused during street demonstrations.

The prime minister has repeatedly blamed “foreign actors” for the violence and accused both Russia and Iran of spreading disinformation online. Rama has also called for “dialogue,” the British newspaper concludes.