5 Maji protestors staged another protest today, which began with them walking from their homes to the intersection at the Medrese market, where they tried to obstruct traffic.
The protest had been announced but no one had anticipated that protestors would try to block the road. They sat on the ground at the traffic lights thus preventing cars from moving forward, except for someone who had an emergency and an ambulance, who were allowed to pass through.
Euronews Albania reporters on the ground have confirmed that there was an initial confrontation with police, but after facing slight difficulty protestors were able to break through the police line and continue their demonstration.
“Mr. Rama gave us no choice. He didn’t just leave with no choice, but he didn’t even hear us out. He said what he had to say as always and went on with his work as always. Mr. Mazniku came and told us once again that all we own are some shacks but I have promised Mr. Mazniku that I will take him to prison, with whatever little means I may have, I promised I will!” – said one of the protestors.
5 Maji residents have filed a lawsuit against PM Rama, Mayor Erion Veliaj, and 8 other public officials they deem responsible for the demolition of their buildings at the 5 Maji neighborhood in Tirana.
Around 400 buildings are planned to be taken down at the 5 Maji neighborhood, after being selected to become part of the Earthquake Reconstruction Process as well as an urban redevelopment of the entire area.
However, citizens have been complaining that they’ve been forced out of their homes without signing any contracts or being shown any documents that can at least guarantee them that their homeownership rights will be respected.
5 Maji residents are worried that in the process they will end up losing their homes and not be given any form of recompensation for giving up on their properties.
PM Rama has come out with a statement recently, promising everyone whose home was demolished that they will be given a new home as soon as the redevelopment project is complete, along with bonus checks to cover their rent until then. Regardless, citizens remain unconvinced until they see these promises on paper and will continue their protests until then.
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