Stop acts of intimidation and release those arrested / Harvard Albanian students support protests in Albania: The right to protest without fear is the pillar…

Student protests and demonstrations by young people in Albania have also received support from Albanian students at the prestigious Harvard University in the United States.

Statement from the Harvard Albanian Students Association

As Albanian students at Harvard, we are following recent developments in Albania with deep concern. Distance does not diminish our commitment to human rights, freedom of expression and our country’s democratic future.

We stand in full support of students, young people and all citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully. The right to express oneself and demand one’s rights without fear is a cornerstone of every free society.

We share the same concerns about the use of disproportionate force, as well as the unlawful detention of young people and minors by law enforcement. Protecting citizens and freedom of speech must be a primary duty of the state, not a pretext for intimidation or repression. At the same time, we call on protesters to preserve the peaceful and civil nature of their demonstrations so that the students’ voices remain strong and dignified.

We call on the relevant authorities in Albania to immediately stop all acts of intimidation, release those detained unlawfully and hold legally accountable those who have exceeded their authority.