12 Arrested Protesters Appear Before Court as Demonstrators Outside Demand Their Release

The 12 people arrested during the September 14 protest in Tirana appear today before the Tirana Court. They were arrested by the Police after the rally and road blockade, while protesters have gathered outside the court, awaiting the decision on security measures.

According to the Police, 12 people were arrested in flagrante, while 15 others were criminally prosecuted in a free state, after the rally held on the morning of September 14.

The protest began around 07:30 at “Skënderbej” Square, where, according to the blue uniforms, participants had gathered without the relevant permit. They then marched toward Rruga e Durrësit and stopped near the “Qemal Stafa” high school.

Police claim the protesters called on students to boycott the learning process and join the rally, while the school’s security perimeter was also breached.

According to the official announcement, some participants did not obey Police orders to leave and clear the sidewalk. During the escort, several protesters are suspected of having forcefully resisted Police officers.

For the 12 arrested persons, the procedural materials have been referred to the Prosecution Office at the Tirana Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction.

They face suspicions of the criminal offenses of “Organization and participation in illegal gatherings and demonstrations,” “Opposition to a public order Police employee,” “Disobedience to a Police employee’s order,” “Disturbance of public order” and “Pushing minors into crime.”

Meanwhile, protesters have gathered outside the Tirana Court, while the start of sessions to set security measures for the 12 arrested is awaited.