The October 13 protest in Tirana was marked by severe scenes of violence. Footage obtained by Aktualitet.al documents how several State Police officers transport an injured young man, while protesters were reportedly struck and excessive force was allegedly used.
TIRANA, October 13, 2026 – Troubling scenes were recorded during the protest by students and young people in the capital, where the intervention of State Police forces was accompanied by reports of physical violence, injured people and arrests.
Aktualitet.al, through its direct presence on the ground and video footage it obtained, has documented incidents that raise serious questions about the way force was used by police officers.
In one of the most disturbing videos, several officers can be seen transporting an injured young man by holding him by his limbs, instead of using an appropriate method for moving a person with possible traumatic injuries.
According to reports from the scene, the young man suffered serious leg injuries and is suspected of having temporarily lost consciousness after the police intervention. His health condition and the exact nature of the injuries remain to be confirmed by medical personnel.
Violence against protesters and the responsibility of the State Police
Testimonies gathered on the ground describe a situation in which the police intervention was not limited only to dispersing the crowd and neutralizing violent incidents.
Blows against citizens and physical interventions are being reported, requiring an independent investigation to determine whether the force used was necessary and proportionate.
Even in cases when certain protesters commit violent acts or damage public property, the police have the legal obligation to individualize responsibility and respect the physical integrity of every person detained or brought under control.
No act of violence committed by protesters can serve as justification for the physical punishment of people who no longer pose a danger.
From the Ministry of Education to Tirana City Hall, a day of clashes
Tuesday’s protest began near the Ministry of Education, where there were clashes between demonstrators and police forces, damage to the building and intervention to disperse the crowd.
During the evening, tensions shifted toward Tirana City Hall, where broken doors, flares being thrown and other incidents were reported.
However, episodes of violence by individuals involved in the protest do not exclude the responsibility of the authorities for any case of unlawful or disproportionate use of force.
The footage demands an investigation, not institutional silence
The footage documented during the October 13 protest requires a clear response from the State Police, the Interior Ministry and the institutions responsible for protecting human rights.
It is necessary to clarify the circumstances in which the young man was injured, which officers were involved in the intervention, whether medical assistance was requested and whether procedures for the treatment of injured persons were respected.
The right to protest and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment are fundamental constitutional guarantees, not privileges that depend on the decision of the police.
Aktualitet.al will continue reporting on developments related to the protest and documenting incidents of violence, while seeking transparency and accountability for any possible violation of the law.
VIDEO – Footage of the police intervention against the young man during the protest in Tirana.