EPP on Albania protests: violence has no place in a democracy, independent probe into excessive force

The European People's Party (EPP), Europe's main center-right group, reacted on Friday to the protests in Albania, stressing in a post on X that the right to peaceful protest must be fully respected.

The EPP called for any claim of excessive, illegal or disproportionate use of force to be investigated immediately, thoroughly and independently, adding that law enforcement must always act proportionately.

Violence by all sides condemned

At the same time, the European party said illegal violence and attacks by any side, especially against property and personal integrity, have no place in a democracy. It called for tensions to be resolved through dialogue, de-escalation and democratic engagement, and for young people's voices to be heard. The reaction follows similar calls this week from the U.N. human rights chief, Volker Türk, and from U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ritchie Torres, who condemned the violence and urged a lowering of tensions.

Sali Berisha's PD is a member of the EPP. Prime Minister Edi Rama repeated his invitation to dialogue on Friday, saying he is ready to meet anywhere and at any hour, while warning that violence will be punished under criminal law.

MEP: a false claim

Meanwhile, MEP Anna Strolenberg reacted on social media to the warning that violent protesters would be barred from entering the EU. “This claim is false!” she wrote, urging Albanians not to be discouraged from exercising their right to peaceful assembly and to stay safe.