Jutta Paulus Reacts After Tensions in Tirana: Violence Remains Unacceptable in Any Case

Following the incidents between protesters and police in Tirana, German MEP Jutta Paulus of the European Parliament’s Greens group said that any act of violence is unacceptable.

In a statement to Politico, Paulus said she had been part of Monday’s protest, which she described as entirely peaceful, with many families and children present.

Regarding Tuesday’s clashes, in which she did not take part, the MEP said she was not in a position to comment on the specific circumstances of the incident, but repeated that “violence is never acceptable.”

The confrontations outside Parliament marked an escalation in tensions in these protests, which for more than a month had been taking place largely peacefully.

About 200 protesters gathered outside Parliament as MPs were arriving for the plenary session. During the rally, eggs were thrown at the cars of several MPs, while police intervened by forcibly escorting away six activists.

Afterward, the protesters headed to the Tirana Police Directorate, where they demanded the release of those detained and accused officers of using excessive force.

MEPs Ilaria Salis, Tineke Strik and Anna Strolenberg have also appeared alongside the protesters, and are in Tirana to closely follow developments.