Rama in panic, tightens measures after protests: Security perimeters, fines and deletion of online posts

Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented a new legal package that foresees changes to the law on gatherings, the creation of security perimeters around state buildings and punitive measures for people who engage in crowds that engage in violence or destroy property. The initiative comes after the escalation of student protests in Tirana, where demonstrations have been accompanied by clashes with police and damage to property.

According to Rama, people who stand in a crowd, knowing that violence is being committed and property is being destroyed, could face fines of up to 500,000 lekë. This measure is expected to exempt journalists, doctors, observers, civil servants on duty and passersby.

The Prime Minister has also announced measures for minors, stating that, in cases where they are fined or cause material damage, the obligation to pay fines and cover damages will be passed on to parents or guardians.

Another element of the package relates to online content, which foresees measures to delete posts that incite violence. 

"After intensive work with European experts and coordination with French and Italian partners, and relying on the model adapted by them to the same anti-democratic flag, we have the legal package against urban violence and anarchy ready."

Peaceful protest is protected, violence is punished and damages are 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 the ODIHR. Responsibility is always individual.

The package has six instruments that complement each other. A normative act on small business compensation, a law on damage repair, several amendments to the law on assemblies, an electronic registry for urban violators, an amendment to the Code of Ethics for Teachers, 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 on damage repair creates the foundation for the future, based on the simple principle: whoever causes damage, pays.

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

No one pays for damages because they protested or were present. This responsibility arises from each person's personal behavior. It does not limit freedom of expression.

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

Journalists, doctors, observers, civil servants or random passers-by are exempt from this rule. For minors, the fine will be paid by the parents or guardian.

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

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

"Participating in an unauthorized gathering and disobedience will be fined from 10 thousand to 100 thousand new lek for each participant. Disobedience to the order to disperse will be fined up to 500 thousand new lek. Blocking traffic, 5 thousand new lek for each participant," said Rama.