A video that spread rapidly on social media has once again put the spotlight on how police intervene against protesters in Tirana. The footage shows a young man lying on the ground, being dragged and kicked by police officers, while the institutional response came only after the case became public.
The footage sparked strong reactions
The video was widely shared during the day and triggered harsh reactions, as it shows police officers using violence against a young protester near the Ministry of Education.
The case immediately revived the debate over the use of force at public gatherings, especially after previous episodes reported during the latest protests.
The suspension came after the video was published
According to the official version, the General Director of the State Police ordered the immediate suspension from duty of two police employees from Police Station No. 3 in Tirana.
The officers are inspectors E. P. and T. Ç., part of the General Patrol. The Directorate of Professional Standards has also been ordered to launch a disciplinary investigation.
Police acknowledge a breach of proportionality
In its response, the State Police acknowledged that the published footage shows two police officers exceeding their duty and the principle of proportionality during the intervention at the gathering held in Tirana.
The institution said it would not tolerate cases of violence or overstepping of powers by officers, emphasizing that responsibility is individual. However, the case has raised questions over the real control of the behavior of forces on the ground, and not only over the response after the scandal erupted in public.
Interior Ministry reaction and the official narrative
Interior Minister Ervin Demo also reacted after the footage was published, saying he had been informed of two cases of police officers exceeding their powers and that he had requested the relevant measures be taken.
In the same response, he defended the official line on the protests of the past three days, claiming that police had faced a difficult situation and that acts of violence had involved politically incited individuals, including minors. This combination of acknowledging police violence and justifying the broader climate is expected to further fuel debate over the limits of force permitted by the state.
The suspension of the two officers is the first measure publicly announced after the video that shocked public opinion.
What remains to be seen is whether the case will be handled beyond disciplinary formulas and routine statements, at a time when trust in how police manage protests remains seriously damaged.