Heritage
Gonxhja condemns damage to monuments during protests: No goal justifies destroying heritage
The culture minister released footage of broken windows, smashed doors and burned facades, stressing that the damaged buildings include Category I and II monuments.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 24, 2026, 16:05 · Updated 18:40 · 1 min read
In brief
- Gonxhja released footage of damage to public buildings, including Category I and II cultural monuments.
- “I condemn this blind violence without any reservation,” the minister said.
- He said protest is a democratic right but does not justify violence and destruction.
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja on Saturday condemned the damage to public buildings during the protests, stressing that they include Category I and II cultural monuments, ATSH (the Albanian Telegraphic Agency) reported. Gonxhja posted footage on social media showing broken windows, smashed doors and fire-damaged facades.
“As the minister responsible for culture, I condemn this blind violence without any reservation,” he wrote. The minister did not identify those responsible for the damage and did not name the monuments affected.
“Heritage belongs to everyone”
Gonxhja stressed that protest is a democratic right, but that this right does not justify violence and destruction. According to him, public buildings provide services to citizens, while cultural monuments carry historical value that must be preserved for future generations.
“Cultural heritage is the wealth of all Albanians, today and tomorrow. No goal justifies damaging it,” the minister concluded. The statement came on the 12th day of student protests in Tirana, accompanied by clashes with police on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard and in Skanderbeg Square. Last week the monument to the “Lahuta e Malësisë” in Lezha had also been damaged, a case that prompted a reaction from Prime Minister Rama.
According to ATSH, Saturday's clashes on the boulevard and in Skanderbeg Square involved protesters throwing stones and pyrotechnics, while police dispersed them with water and tear gas. The Health Ministry said 13 injured people received medical assistance.
