Included on the list of “enemies” at the protest, Aurela Gaçe: I have protested all my life, no one can touch my dignity

Amid the protests taking place in Tirana to protect Narta and Zvërnec, the controversy has also drawn in well-known names from the Albanian entertainment scene.

The organizers have put up photographs in several areas of the capital of artists who, according to them, have not publicly supported the cause, labeling them as “enemies.”

Among the names recently displayed is singer Aurela Gaçe. The publication of her crossed-out photograph prompted a strong reaction from the artist, who chose to respond publicly through a lengthy post on social media.

Aurela shared the posted photo and recalled that her civic engagement is nothing new, but dates back to her student years. “I have taken part in protests since I was a student, including over Chemical Weapons, and I have protested with my whole being and also through very strong song lyrics, though I’m sure the girl in question may not know that. In fact, she may not even know that I have also been in the square alongside my people now as well,” she said, stressing that she has always reacted in her own way.

The singer sharply criticized attempts to impose on others how they should express their love for the country, comparing this approach to the practices of dictatorship. “No one can tell me or dictate to me how to love my country. If you complain about dictatorship, then why are you yourself dictating how we should behave? Isn’t that violence too?” Aurela wrote, adding that, in her view, people with this mentality “would trample you underfoot” if they had power.

In her reaction, the artist also shared concerns about the country’s social reality. She spoke about her retired parents, who, according to her, would not be able to make ends meet without the help of their children, as well as her sister and brother who have emigrated.

Speaking about the future of her children, Aurela said: “I have the dilemmas of every parent about the future, which I fear I do not see here. The people are not happy, and again no one can deny that,” while ending her message by stressing that she values her dignity above everything else.