Albania’s government has proposed tougher measures for violations during public protests, including fines of up to €5,000 for individuals who conceal their identities and disobey police orders, according to a report by Sinjali.com.
The proposed amendments to the Law on Public Gatherings would also allow temporary restrictions on protests near educational institutions, healthcare facilities and state institutions when there is a serious and imminent risk of violence or property damage.
Under the proposed package, police could order individuals to leave designated areas for up to 48 hours if they pose a threat, use violence or obstruct access to those locations.
The measures would also introduce electronic registration of individuals referred to prosecutors or investigated for violent offenses committed during public gatherings. In certain cases, the information could be used by the Border Police to conduct checks and enforce legally imposed restrictions on leaving Albania.
Measures Target Violence and Public Safety
The proposed changes also include measures addressing calls for violence on social media, as well as audiovisual recording of police warnings and incidents during protests.
The package is intended to strengthen police powers to respond to violent conduct and manage public gatherings in areas considered particularly sensitive.
However, the report does not specify when the proposed amendments would take effect or whether they have completed the legislative approval process.
