Embattled Albanian PM vows fines for violent protesters

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday vowed a tougher line against anti-government protesters, saying that fines would be introduced for violent demonstrations, as hundreds of people marched again in the capital.

Albania has been wracked by months of anti-government protests that in recent days have deteriorated into pitched battles between the security forces and protesters.

Rama said a new law would be released this week allowing for fines of more than US$550 for “anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd” that is carrying out acts of violence or looting in a public space, or “concealing their identity”.

In a speech broadcast on social media, he said the clampdown would apply to any type of gathering “when it results in property damage”.

The new law would give police the powers to restrict “gatherings” in certain cases if there was a risk of violence, Rama said.

“Anyone demanding my resignation is mistaken if they think it can be forced or imposed in any way, but I do not believe that everything they are saying and demanding is wrong,” he added.

Fresh marches

Rama’s statement came as several hundred people in the capital staged a fresh protest outside his offices, with protesters shrugging off the threat of fines.

“Why do parents have to pay for the acts of their children while the prime minister isn’t responsible for the acts of his government,” a pensioner who declined to give her name told AFP.

Several clashes between demonstrtors and police flared on Sunday evening.

Opposition leader and fierce Rama rival Sali Berisha, head of the Democratic Party, said people would not accept the new government measures, his party said in a press release.

“We will stand firmly against them” and “respond tooth for tooth” to Rama “to give him what he deserves”, Berisha told an online exchange with the public.

The new law also allows for compensation for small companies affected by protests and action against those who “encourage, organise or coordinate the participation of minor school children in rallies”.

Teachers have backed high school students who have taken part in the protests this year.

In recent protests, demonstrators have attacked the education ministry and other official buildings, complaining about corruption and demanding better conditions for students and Rama’s resignation.

Police said after Saturday’s protests that 23 people had been formally arrested, 13 others face legal proceedings and 30 people were “wanted”.

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