Rama invents punishments for students: 500,000 lekë fine for protesting, measures also for those standing in the crowd

After massive protests by students and young people demanding his resignation, Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented a new legal package that provides for stricter measures against participants in gatherings where violence is exercised.

One of the most debated proposals is the imposition of fines of up to 500,000 new lekë even for people who do not directly commit acts of violence, but who remain in a crowd where such acts are occurring, despite police warnings.

The initiative comes after 13 days of protests against the government and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement forces. While students continue to demand his removal, Rama has chosen to present new punitive measures, arguing that the aim is the protection of public order and property.

The package also provides for fines from 10,000 to 100,000 lekë for participating in unauthorized gatherings and disobedience, while the police are intended to be given the right to restrict gatherings for up to 72 hours around certain facilities.

The proposals raise questions about the impact on freedom of assembly and how individual responsibility of participants will be determined.

Statement by Prime Minister Edi Rama:

“After intensive work with European experts and coordination with French and Italian partners, and relying on the model they have adapted against the same anti-democratic flame, we have ready the legal package against violence and urban anarchy.

Peaceful protest is protected, violence is punished, and damage is paid by the perpetrator. Every measure complies with Article 47 of the Constitution, Article 11 of the ECHR, the guidelines of the Venice Commission and ODIHR. Responsibility is always individual.

The package has six instruments that complement each other. A normative act for compensation of small businesses, a law for the repair of damages, several amendments to the law on gatherings, an electronic registry for urban violators, an amendment to the Teachers’ Code of Ethics, and several proposals for amendments to the Code of Procedure.

The second instrument is the new law based on the French model. Whoever breaks, pays. The new law we have drafted for the repair of damages creates the foundation for the future, on the simple principle: whoever causes damage, pays for it.

The burden does not fall on taxpayers, as it has until today. The law applies to every public gathering, including sports, festive gatherings, etc., where material damage is caused to public or private property.

No one pays damages because they protested or were present. This responsibility arises from the individual behavior of each person. It does not restrict freedom of expression.

But anyone who participates in violent gatherings and does not leave after police warnings, whoever chooses to remain in a crowd or group, will be held administratively liable through a fine, together with those who commit violent acts, and the fine will go up to 500,000 new lekë.

Excluded from this rule are journalists, doctors, observers, officials on duty, or random passersby. For minors, the fine will be paid by parents or guardians.

The law on gatherings has not been updated. It will give the police more tools and sanctioning possibilities, which are entirely symbolic compared to the measures that other EU countries have taken.

Police may restrict gatherings for up to 72 hours around certain facilities.

Participation in an unauthorized gathering and disobedience will be fined from 10,000 to 100,000 new lekë for each participant. Disobedience to a dispersal order will be fined up to 500,000 new lekë. Blocking traffic, 5,000 new lekë for each participant.”