Albania's ombudsman reports overcrowding and alleged abuse after Tirana protest

Preliminary detention findings

Albania's ombudsman said inspectors found 118 people, including six minors, in Tirana's Security Block on October 20, above its capacity of 67. Only 36 had been arrested within the preceding hours. The facility's population was therefore a custody snapshot, not a total of arrests attributable to that day's protest. ^[1]

The office recorded six complaints alleging violence during detention or escort procedures and said it was investigating footage and injury reports. Its October 21 statement described the findings as preliminary. These remain allegations under review, not a final finding against any individual officer. ^[1]

Protests and lecturers' boycott

The Associated Press described October 20 as the eighth consecutive day of violent anti-government demonstrations in Tirana. High-school and university students sought lower tuition, more public investment in education and action against corruption in the education system, while joining a broader movement seeking Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. AP reported police using tear gas and water cannons and protesters throwing rocks, flares, firebombs and fireworks. These accounts do not establish the responsibility of any individual detainee. ^[2]

The Union of University Employees of Albania announced a boycott of teaching from October 21 until further notice, Citizens.al reported. Lecturers framed it as solidarity with students and demanded a full, independent investigation into police actions. They said missed teaching would be made up later. Hundreds of lecturers and students marched toward the prime minister's office that morning, according to the outlet, adding organized university participation to protests that had already drawn several social groups. ^[3]

Anadolu reported that demonstrations continued for a ninth day on Wednesday, with university students, high-school pupils, faculty and other residents participating. Its account said the gathering began peacefully outside the prime minister's office, moved to the Education Ministry and later returned, when protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails. Hundreds of police officers were deployed. The agency also reported Rama reiterating his call for dialogue with students. ^[4]

Citizens.al reported that chairs marked for dialogue were placed outside the prime minister's office and that Rama again said he was ready to meet. His offer excluded people who used violence or failed to distance themselves from it, the outlet reported. Students again declined the invitation. That exchange describes the government's stated position and the protesters' response; it does not resolve the separate allegations about police conduct or indicate that negotiations have begun. ^[3]

Oversight investigation continues

The ombudsman counted six protesters treated at the Trauma Hospital on October 20, including one minor, compared with 34 the previous day; these are not comprehensive injury totals. It requested preservation of footage, reduced overcrowding and safeguards for detained children. Responsibility and any disciplinary or prosecutorial referrals remained pending investigation. ^[1]