As Protests Continued PM Accuses President, Ex-DP Leader Berisha of Instigating Violence, Embassies Call for Calm

Protests to condemn the assassination of the youth, Klodian Rasha by a police officer continued for the third consecutive day on Friday with violent clashes in which special police forces exerted excessive violence and brutality in Tirana and other parts of Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama again pointed the finger of blame at the President of the Republic Ilir Meta and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha for the protest and violence. He said that they are instigators and orchestrators and that the minors in the protest have been manipulated and abused to set the capital on fire. He didn’t mention the name of current DP head Lulzim Basha.
US Ambassador Yuri Kim spoke on Friday with Prime Minister Rama, Police Director Veliu, Democratic Party Chairman Basha and Chairman of the Socialist Movement for Integration Kryemadhi, to discuss citizens’ rights and the responsibilities of leaders, according to the US Embassy on Friday.
“Those who have been in power before should not make the mistakes of the past, suggesting that violence is unacceptable,” the Embassy said.
The German Ambassador to Tirana, Peter Zingraf, through a statement for the media said that the death of the young Klodian Rasha has affected him a lot.
Zingraf said that the event should be fully clarified, adding that violence is not the solution.
“Only peaceful protests are legitimized as democratic. I call on all parties to renounce violence,” he said.
The EU Ambassador to Albania, Luigi Soreca, has reacted on the violence in the youth protest after the murder of 25-year-old Klodian Rasha.
Through a post on social networks, Soreca said that violence should be avoided in any case and by all parties.
He expressed his sorrow for the events of the last days and expressed his condolences to the family of Klodian Rasha.
“Legality and public order are cornerstones of democracy and rule of law,” said the OSCE Presence in Albania expressing deepest regrets for the death of Klodian Rasha and trusting that it will be properly investigated.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Now, we urge restraint from any violence and allow the law to follow its course,” said OSCE Presence. /argumentum.al