Court releases 13 people arrested after recent protests in Tirana

The Tirana Court has ordered the release of 13 people detained after protests held in the capital in recent days, imposing less stringent security measures.

The decision was issued on Tuesday, October 20, following a review of the arrests made after the gatherings in Tirana. The protests involved clashes between participants and the Police, as well as damage to public and private property.

Twelve of those under investigation were ordered to report to the prosecution office. One of them was also barred from approaching public institutions and participating in gatherings without the court’s prior authorization.

The prosecution had requested that the two individuals identified by the initials G.P. and R.H. remain under house arrest. The court ordered G.P. to report as required, while imposing the same measure on R.H., accompanied by special restrictions.

All 13 people arrested are suspected of resisting public order police officers and damaging property. The court deemed their arrests in flagrante delicto lawful, but ordered their immediate release, except in cases where they are being held under another security measure or a sentencing decision.

The protests began on October 13 and continued for several days in Tirana. Students, high school students and citizens took part, raising concerns about education, the cost of studying and the political situation in the country.