Actions taken by the Albanian State Police during student protests have raised serious concerns about respect for religious freedom, the protection of places of worship, and citizens’ right to be free from excessive force.
Events reported during the student protests have brought a sensitive issue to the forefront of public debate in Albania: respect for religious sites and the limits of police intervention in spaces surrounding them.
According to information circulating about the incidents, the Albanian State Police carried out arrests in the courtyard of the Orthodox Church, attempted to forcibly enter the courtyard of the Catholic Church, and used violence against protesters near the entrance of the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
These reported actions raise important questions about how the protests are being handled and whether constitutional principles, including religious freedom, human dignity, and proportionality in the use of force, are being respected during police interventions.
Places of Worship Must Not Become Scenes of Confrontation
Churches and mosques represent spaces of profound spiritual, cultural, and social significance. Respect for these places should not depend on citizens’ political beliefs, the nature of a protest, or the authorities’ attitude toward demonstrators.
Arrests in a church courtyard, attempts to forcibly enter the grounds of another religious institution, and confrontations near a mosque entrance demand transparency and clear explanations from the responsible authorities.
Every police intervention must be assessed according to the specific circumstances, its legal basis, and the necessity of the action taken. The presence of a religious site does not automatically prohibit lawful police intervention. However, neither should it serve as a justification for arbitrary conduct, excessive force, or treatment that violates human dignity.
Religious Freedom and the Right to Peaceful Protest
The Constitution of the Republic of Albania guarantees freedom of conscience and religion, while Article 47 protects the right to peaceful assembly. These rights are fundamental to a democratic society and must be respected by every state institution.
When protesters face police intervention in spaces surrounding religious sites, questions arise not only about the legality of the arrests but also about the use of force and the treatment of those involved.
If video footage and witness testimony confirm the unjustified use of force or violations of citizens’ rights, the responsible institutions must investigate the incidents and ensure accountability.
Institutional Silence Is Not Enough
In light of these events, the public has the right to demand explanations from the Albanian State Police and other competent institutions. Authorities should clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the reasons for interventions in church courtyards, and the reported use of force near the Et’hem Bey Mosque.
Representatives of religious communities should also be given the opportunity to express their concerns about incidents affecting their places of worship, without being drawn into political confrontations.
Respect for religious sites is not a privilege reserved for any particular community. It is an essential part of protecting pluralism, religious coexistence, and the fundamental freedoms that every citizen should enjoy.
The Rule of Law Is Tested in Times of Tension
Student protests can create challenging situations for public order, but it is precisely during such moments that the professionalism of state institutions is tested. The police have a duty to maintain public safety while acting in accordance with the law and protecting fundamental rights.
The reported incidents involving the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, and the Et’hem Bey Mosque require serious, impartial, and transparent examination. Allegations of misconduct must be verified, and any proven violations must be followed by appropriate accountability.
Religious freedom, human dignity, and the right to peaceful protest are not privileges that the state may grant or withdraw depending on the circumstances. They are fundamental rights that must be protected for everyone, even during the most tense moments of public life.