Tirana court rules arrests unlawful and releases 14 protesters detained on September 1

The Tirana Court has ordered the release of 14 protesters arrested on the evening of September 1 after they surrounded the Prime Minister’s Office building, where Prime Minister Edi Rama was in his office.

The protesters were accused of the criminal offenses of “Organizing and participating in unlawful gatherings and demonstrations,” “Opposing a public order police officer,” “Disturbing the peace,” and “Obstructing the movement of transport vehicles.”

During the court hearing, they asked for their arrests to be declared unlawful and for their release without any security measure being imposed. The protesters said they had committed no criminal offense.

While the hearing was taking place inside the court, citizens gathered outside demanded the protesters’ release and the punishment of senior officials. They chanted: “Arrest Rama, arrest Balluku!”

Dritan Goxhaj, Junik Matoshi, Edison Lika, Erlind Almeta, Sokol Bushi, Lulzim Gjini, Valtion Shameti, Florian Manarkolli, Desiderjo Alimuçaj, Bora Mitrovica, Arvina Lleshi, Ylli Brahaj, Arben Kola and Aumiraldi Dalliu were detained after protesters surrounded the government building as soon as it became known that the prime minister was there.

After several hours of clashes and resistance from the protesters, Edi Rama left his office under tight security. The citizens’ protests have continued for more than three months, with participants’ main demand being the resignation of the head of government.