5 Maji residents demand a guarantee for the homes that were promised to them or else they’ll continue to protest until their conditions are met.
Residents have called yet another protest today set to take place at 17:00 CET. This protest comes at a time when citizens have just finished filing a lawsuit against PM Edi Rama at the State Prosecution.
They pressed charges 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.
Residents are demanding to see the final draft of the redevelopment project while also asking to have the demolition process suspended until an agreement can be reached.
Their main legal representative, lawyer Adriana Kalaja told Euronews Albania that the government as violated the laws on multiple occasions by illegally taking down these buildings without a prior agreement with landowners.
“We’ve asked SPAK to temporarily suspend this project and the demolition process until the case can be fully uncovered,” – said Kalaja.
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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