Rama Threatens Protesters With Fines and Police Powers

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says a proposed law will fine people more than $550 for staying in crowds involved in violence or looting, or for hiding their identities. The measure, which Rama said would come out this week, would also let police restrict gatherings in certain cases when violence is a risk. The government has made new penalties and limits on assembly central to its response to months of anti-government protests.

Rama said the clampdown would apply to any gathering “when it results in property damage”. In a speech broadcast on social media, he also said: “Anyone demanding my resignation is mistaken if they think it can be forced or imposed in any way, but I do not believe that everything they are saying and demanding is wrong.” The proposed fines target people who stay in crowds, while the police powers would let authorities restrict gatherings based on a risk of violence. Those are the terms Rama has outlined; the law hasn't yet come out.

The Government Draws the Line

Several hundred people marched outside Rama's offices in the capital on Sunday and dismissed the threat of fines. A pensioner who declined to give her name turned the question back on the government: “Why do parents have to pay for the acts of their children while the prime minister isn't responsible for the acts of his government?” Her challenge cuts across the proposed law's focus on individual liability and the question of who answers for government actions.

Several clashes between demonstrators and police broke out on Sunday evening. In recent days, protests that have continued for months had turned into pitched battles between security forces and demonstrators. The proposed measure would add financial penalties and powers to restrict gatherings to an already tense confrontation. The account of the announcement gives no further details about how police would assess the risk of violence or apply the proposed fines.

Punishment, Compensation and School Rallies

The proposed law would also provide compensation for small companies affected by protests. It would allow action against people who “encourage, organise or coordinate the participation of minor school children in rallies”. Teachers have backed high school students who have taken part in protests this year. The announcement therefore reaches beyond people accused of violence or looting: it also addresses organising around student participation and promises compensation for businesses affected by demonstrations.

Police said that after Saturday's protests, 23 people had been formally arrested, 13 others faced legal proceedings and 30 people were “wanted”. Those figures describe enforcement already under way as Rama announced further penalties. The proposed law would put more state power over public gatherings in police hands, while demonstrators outside the prime minister's offices showed they hadn't been deterred by the threat.

Opposition leader Sali Berisha, head of the Democratic Party and Rama's rival, said people wouldn't accept the new government measures, according to a party press release. In an online exchange with the public, he said: “We will stand firmly against them” and “respond tooth for tooth” to Rama “to give him what he deserves”. The government proposes fines and police restrictions; the opposition promises resistance in equally combative language. Outside the offices, several hundred people had already rejected the threat of fines.