The Swiss Embassy in Tirana has reacted to the escalation of violence during protests in Albania, expressing concern over damage to public and private property and calling on all sides to lower tensions.
Concern over violence and damage
In its statement, the embassy linked its reaction to the latest outbreak of violence during demonstrations in the country. It also mentioned the destruction of public and private property at a time when political and institutional tension remains high.
The position of the diplomatic mission comes as a public signal that developments on the ground are being closely followed and that the escalation of the confrontation is being seen as a problem that affects not only public order, but also democratic standards.
Call for restraint and dialogue
The embassy called on all sides to show restraint, lower tensions and give priority to constructive dialogue. This wording avoids aligning with a single side and places the emphasis on political and institutional responsibility not to push the situation toward further aggravation.
At the center of the message was also the idea that the right to peaceful assembly remains essential for a democratic society, making any state response to protest subject to stronger public and international scrutiny.
Direct request to the authorities and police
In the statement, the authorities are asked to fully guarantee and protect the right to peaceful assembly, as well as media freedom. This is a direct emphasis at a moment when the management of protests is usually tested not only by the behavior of protesters, but also by the limits set by institutions.
Security forces are also called on to act in accordance with international human rights standards. This part of the statement shifts attention to the way force is exercised on the ground and to the obligation that the state response must not go beyond the legal and democratic framework.
The reaction of the Swiss Embassy places the emphasis on two pillars that are often tested during such crises: the right to peaceful protest and limits on the use of force by the state.
The diplomatic message calls for the situation to be calmed, while at the same time reminding the authorities that standards for freedoms and rights are not suspended in the name of managing public order.