OSCE Parliamentary Assembly vice-president: Students in Albania are being fined and subjected to violence for exercising their right to protest and demanding…

Dr. Gudrun Kugler, vice-president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and a member of the Austrian Parliament, has responded to student protests in Albania, condemning the use of force against demonstrators and calling for an immediate and independent investigation into allegations of police abuse.

The Austrian lawmaker also expressed concern over reports that students and their families are being fined and intimidated for exercising their rights.

Gudrun Kugler’s full statement:

“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right that must be fully respected. Young people who take to the streets to demand accountability, an end to corruption and a future in their country deserve to be heard, not met with force. I call on protesters to continue to show restraint.

Reports of disproportionate and unlawful use of force against protesters, including young people and minors, are deeply concerning. We have also received reports that students and their families are being fined and intimidated for exercising their rights, which is equally unacceptable. All these allegations must be investigated promptly, thoroughly and independently, in accordance with international human rights standards. Those responsible must be held accountable.

Violence and attacks against people and property have no place in a democracy and must be condemned. Acts that undermine freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are inconsistent with modern human rights standards.

The concerns raised by protesters deserve credible answers. Albania’s future lies on the democratic and European path, and that path requires the rule of law, freedom of assembly and a serious fight against corruption.

I call on the Albanian authorities, all parties involved and protesters to show restraint and act fairly and peacefully. I call on the police to end all forms of intimidation against protesters and engage in genuine dialogue with students, university lecturers and civil society.”