Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi has condemned the violence that occurred during Thursday’s protest outside Parliament, saying attacks against Albanian State Police officers, MPs and public institutions are unacceptable.

Peleshi stressed that the right to protest must be exercised peacefully, expressing solidarity with police officers injured while on duty and calling for respect for the law, public institutions and democratic values.

“Nothing can justify violence against State Police officers, members of Parliament or public institutions. Albania is built on dialogue and respect for the law and institutions, not on confrontation.

“The right to protest is a fundamental right and must be exercised peacefully. When a protest turns into violence against people, it undermines not only their safety but also the democratic values on which our society is built.

“My full solidarity goes to the State Police officers injured while carrying out their duties, and I wish them a speedy recovery.

“Attacks against members of the Albanian Parliament are unacceptable.

“Nothing good can be built through violence and chaos,” Peleshi said in a social media post.