The latest protest in front of Parliament did not end simply with political chants and calls for resignations. At the center of attention was an incident that reopened debate over the conduct of law enforcement toward citizens and activists: the public denunciation by IT expert Gent Progni.
According to statements made public by him and other activists at the scene, a plainclothes police officer identified as Edison Duda is suspected of pulling out a knife and attempting to strike Progni while the latter was filming the course of the gathering on his phone.
Clash over evidence: What is happening with business security cameras?
Beyond the alleged attempted attack itself, the most serious part of the denunciation is linked to what is allegedly happening behind the scenes on the Boulevard. Progni openly accused the authorities of exerting pressure on private businesses near the Parliament area — especially jewelry shops — with the aim of deleting or withholding video footage that may have documented the full scene.
Meanwhile, other youth representatives at the protest, such as activist Edison Lika, confirmed that the matter would not remain only at the level of media statements. A formal criminal complaint and grievance have been filed with the Police Oversight Agency (AMP) to investigate the actions of the officers involved.
Reaction from the square: “The red line was crossed”
The reaction of protesters after the incident was unequivocal. Both Progni and other activists, in their speeches, stressed that such repressive actions would not be able to stop the gatherings. The main demands of the protest remain the departure of the government, the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, and the immediate end of any form of violence or manipulation of evidence by police structures.
Attention is now focused on the Police Oversight Agency and investigative bodies to see whether the businesses’ video footage will be officially seized and whether there will be a suspension or disciplinary measure against the officer who was reported.