Student protests and police violence, EU delegation in Tirana responds: Police officers must respect fundamental rights, cases should be investigated as a…

The office of the EU delegation in Tirana has responded to the escalation of the student protest. In its statement, the EU office expressed concern about the situation and the allegations of excessive use of force by the police against protesters and journalists.

The EU delegation emphasized that freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights and essential European values that must be respected and exercised peacefully.

“We are concerned about the violent escalation of the protest in Tirana. Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights and essential European values. They must be respected and exercised peacefully. We are aware of the allegations of excessive use of force by the police against protesters and journalists. We expect police actions to be proportionate and to respect fundamental rights, just as we expect these cases to be investigated as a priority,” the EU office said.

The EU delegation called on all parties to ease tensions and engage in constructive dialogue.

“We encourage all parties to ease tensions. Constructive dialogue among all the actors involved is the only way forward,” the EU delegation said in its statement.