Alleged police use of force during the October 2026 student and anti-government protests in Tirana
Status: Open. Disciplinary and prosecutorial inquiries reported; no outcomes found.
Summary
From 13 Oct 2026, student-led protests in Tirana over university conditions, education costs, corruption and living costs became violent on several days. Police used water cannon, tear gas, baton charges and, from 17 Oct, rubber bullets. Official figures from the Health Ministry and the State Police differ and are recorded separately in events.
The Ombudsman opened an ex officio investigation on 13 Oct, reported preliminary complaints of violence during detention (16 and 21 Oct), and asked that officers be identifiable. Journalists reported being struck, pushed and having footage deleted. RSF counts at least 12 journalists or media workers physically attacked between 13 and 19 Oct, most by police.
A Tirana prosecution case (no. 7806/2026, articles 248 and 250 of the Criminal Code) after the 24 Oct eye injury to Erjon Vishkulli is reported in a Balkanweb search-result snippet that was not opened. The link between the seven suspensions and individual cases is not public.
Key facts
- Police chief Skender Hita confirmed rubber bullets were used 'in a limited manner' (17 Oct 2026).
- Seven officers suspended pending disciplinary investigation (police chief, 17 Oct 2026).
- Ombudsman: 214 people deprived of liberty contacted over 72 hours (statement 16 Oct 2026).
- Ombudsman: 5 of 8 minors held at Police Station No. 1 said officers physically and verbally abused them; monitors saw physical injury in 2 (monitoring of 19 Oct, reported 20 Oct 2026).
- Ministry of Health: 272 people injured since Tuesday 13 Oct, including 169 police (reported 18 Oct 2026).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (2)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Police used rubber bullets on 17 Oct 2026 (police chief statement; AFP and Al Jazeera reporting).
- Seven officers were suspended pending disciplinary investigation (police chief statement, 17 Oct 2026).
What is alleged (2)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationExcessive or disproportionate force, including against detainees, minors and journalists.
- AllegationDenial of medical care and inadequate detention conditions at the Security Block (Ombudsman, 16 and 21 Oct 2026, preliminary).
Allegations and who made them (4)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationOfficers kicked and punched a journalist near the Bank of Albania on 13 Oct (RSF, citing the journalist).
- AllegationProtesters dragged and struck with rubber batons, per footage the Ombudsman says was released from the 20 Oct protest (Ombudsman, 21 Oct; footage not viewed by compiler).
- AllegationMinors allegedly abused at Police Station No. 1 (Ombudsman monitoring, 19 Oct).
- AllegationEye injury to Erjon Vishkulli from a rubber bullet on 24 Oct (Balkanweb, 25 Oct).
Open questions (4)
- Which officers were suspended, and whether any suspension relates to the journalist or minor cases.
- Final injury totals: sources give 272, 300+ and 132 police figures without a reconciled base.
- Whether Bank of Albania footage was requested and secured (not confirmed).
- Outcome of Tirana prosecution case 7806/2026 (not found).
Responses (2)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Police chief Skender Hita: rubber bullets used in a limited manner and certified to EU-level standards (17 Oct 2026).
- Prime Minister Edi Rama: blamed foreign actors and a 'hybrid war' (18 and 20 Oct 2026); accused the News24 owner of fabricating accounts (18 Oct, per RSF).
Figures
Money trail →Transfer of 500 tear gas canisters from Kosovo police to Albanian police for 2019 protests (reported)
No amount recorded
Incomplete figureotherSource label: Under investigationStated definition: incomplete: no value reported; a transfer between police forces, not a tender; 500 canisters per search summary of exit.al.
Date: 2020 · Payer: Kosovo police (transfer; approval requested) · Payee: Albanian State Police
- Albanian police acquired gas canisters from Kosovo (opens in a new tab)Exit.al · 2020 · journalism · EN
Timeline
Full timeline →Police
Zvërnec (Portonovo) confrontation: protester dragged by private security while State Police present
Residents and activists protested near the construction site at Zvërnec. Citizens.al (31 May, read) reports that private security guards dragged a protester away while State Police were present; an activist (Lëvizja Bashkë) says his footage shows the protester being dragged. Injuries are not specified in that article. Wikipedia (UNVERIFIED) reports pepper spray used, affecting police and an activist-journalist. The Albanian Helsinki Committee (search summary) says the protest began peacefully and the person was dragged inside the fence by people not from the contracted security firm, and that local police acknowledged this. A Vlorë police account reported by citizens.al says the activist had violently intervened. One guard was arrested in flagrante; two further people were arrested later; the State Police revoked the licences of two security firms (Major Security and Myrto Security 1.3A, per Balkanweb and ADN search summaries); SPAK opened an investigation (citizens.al, 1 June); the Vlorë local police director was suspended. Wikipedia says criminal proceedings were announced against 15 protesters (UNVERIFIED).
Police
SPAK investigation confirmed; State Police acknowledge failures; Vlorë police director dismissed
Citizens.al (1 June 2026, headline and summary read via search) reports SPAK is investigating Zvërnec and that the police admitted failure. The State Police General Director (Skënder Hita) acknowledged serious shortcomings and asked the Directorate of Professional Standards to investigate the Vlorë command chain (ADN, search summary). SPAK confirmed the matter is under investigation without giving details (ADN, search summary). See also ev-2026-06-02-spak-probe-reported in.
Government
Ombudsman opens administrative investigation into police conduct toward protesters
The People's Advocate Endrit Shabani received activists who said police had started criminal proceedings against them for protesting. The Ombudsman began verifying police actions against the principles of proportionality and necessity, citing the Albanian Constitution and Article 11 ECHR. Shabani is quoted: 'the burden of proof is not on the protesters but on the police'. The article mentions no injuries or arrests and no recommendation.
Other
Ombudsman launches investigation into police actions against protesters
Official Ombudsman announcement of an investigation into police actions against protesters (title and date as seen; body not fetched).
Police
Protest outside Parliament: detentions, injuries; lawyers allege excessive force
Wikipedia (UNVERIFIED) says 19 people were treated on 2 July (15 police officers, 4 protesters or citizens); more than 20 protesters were escorted or detained; lawyers alleged excessive force and an activist alleged he was beaten while handcuffed. Gazeta Tema (search summary) reports detentions and injuries outside parliament. The police-violence file records the journalist aspect separately.
Police
Police block marchers from reaching Parliament as MPs return from recess
Per the CEP/OSW analysis (search summary only; the OSW page was blocked by a captcha), police blocked marchers from reaching Parliament on 8 September 2026 as lawmakers returned from summer recess. The same summary says the government initially ignored the demonstrators and that Rama responded only after the issue reached wider attention.
Police
Ombudsman opens ex officio administrative investigation into police use of force
The People's Advocate initiated, ex officio, an administrative investigation into police use of force during the Tirana protest. The statement names no officer or station and reports no injuries; it says the assessment will determine 'whether the use of force was necessary and proportionate'.
Police
Dosja.al editor Izmir Akulli reportedly punched and kicked by officers near Bank of Albania
According to RSF (21 Oct 2026, citing the journalist's own account), officers punched and kicked Izmir Akulli while he filmed a police intervention against a student near the Bank of Albania; he was taken to hospital. No police response to this case was found.
Police
Student Klevin Metaj reportedly struck by police near Ministry of Education
Albanian outlets (Balkanweb, as seen in search-result text) report that Klevin Metaj was confronted by six police officers and struck while walking on the pavement, then taken away in a police van with visible injuries. Headlines report a broken leg; the article body was not confirmed. His mother disputes the police account. Contested; no official response was found.
Police
Fire inside the Education Ministry; police use tear gas and water cannon; arrest and injury totals differ
Al Jazeera (14 Oct 2026, search summary) reports demonstrators broke into the Education Ministry overnight and lit a fire inside, according to police, with 16 arrests. Reuters-based coverage describes thousands in front of the ministry on Wednesday and bricks thrown at the building. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon. One report gives 40 detained and 13 injured (officials); an AP-syndicated summary gives 23 police and 6 others injured and 35 detained. Press-freedom groups sent an open letter dated 14 Oct to the parliament speaker (CPJ/exit.al, search summaries). Organisers' stated demands: university conditions, costs, financial support, jobs after graduation; calls for Rama's resignation.
Police
Ombudsman publishes preliminary findings: 214 detained people contacted, violence complaints
Over the last 72 hours monitors were in contact with 214 people deprived of liberty. Trauma Hospital, 14 to 15 Oct: 128 people treated, including 86 police officers, 38 protesters and 5 minors. At the Security Unit, 26 detainees had allegations and physical signs documented in official records. Complaints covered plainclothes officers without identification, force during detention, denial of medical care and detention beyond legal limits. The Security Block was over capacity; detainees slept two to a bed or on mattresses on the floor. Recommendations: full identification of officers and separation of minors from adults. Findings are preliminary.
Police
Police use rubber bullets for the first time in the protests; tear gas, water cannon, baton charges; 7 officers suspended
Al Jazeera (17 Oct 2026, read) reports, citing AFP, that rubber bullets were used for the first time since the demonstrations began. National Police Chief Skender Hita confirmed their use 'in a limited manner'. Police also used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges as demonstrators pushed against lines. Protesters threw stones, petrol bombs and fireworks and set cars and bins alight; the article does not say who started the violence. Health Ministry: 9 protesters and 4 police treated on 17 Oct. Hita: 132 officers injured and 167 arrested over five days (the article does not say which side the arrested belong to). Seven officers were suspended pending investigations into alleged excess of authority. Rama accused conservative opponents of encouraging the violence and promised to listen to students and protect the right to demonstrate.
Police
Journalists struck by rubber pellets while covering clashes in Tirana
Per reporting summarised in search results, Reuters said two of its journalists were struck by rubber pellets on 17 Oct while covering clashes in Tirana. RSF says at least 12 journalists and media workers were physically attacked while covering protests between 13 and 19 Oct. A written parliamentary question to the EU High Representative cites reports that rubber pellets injured protesters and journalists (search summaries). Attribution of the pellets to police is stated by these sources; no police denial was read.
Police
Police use rubber bullets for the first time in the protests; seven officers suspended
AFP reported that officers used rubber bullets for the first time since the demonstrations began. Police chief Skender Hita confirmed their use, 'in a limited manner'. He said 167 people had been arrested and 132 officers injured over five days, and that seven officers were suspended pending investigations into alleged excess of authority. The Health Ministry said nine protesters and four officers were treated that day. Reuters reported two of its journalists were hit by rubber pellets in Tirana on 17 Oct (per RSF). A Euronews/AFP item (snippet) reports 35 wounded that day, 18 police and 17 protesters.
Police
Health Ministry: 272 injured since Tuesday, including 169 police
The Ministry of Health reported on the morning of 18 Oct that 65 people had been injured that day (37 police, 12 hospitalised) and that 272 people had been injured since Tuesday, including 169 police officers. Later figures: Al Jazeera on 20 Oct reported 'around 300, more than half police' (no date given by the source). A figure of 295 incl. 186 police was not found in any source.
Police
Journalists struck or detained by police: Salianji, Agolli, Kopliku, Korreshi, Bushkolaj and others (RSF count)
Per RSF (21 Oct 2026): News24 journalist Renaldo Salianji was physically struck by police (per the Association of Journalists of Albania); AP contributor Hameraldi Agolli was forcibly stopped; SYRI TV's Taulant Kopliku had his shoulder hit and phone taken, with footage deleted on return; Marshi Korreshi was hit on the back with a helmet while reporting live near Police Station No. 3; Elkier Bushkolaj was wounded in the leg by a rubber projectile; Juljan Hoxha and Felix Bilani said officers hit them. RSF counts at least 12 journalists and media workers physically attacked 13 to 19 Oct, and 28 incidents affecting at least 23 media professionals.
Police
Ombudsman: 5 of 8 minors at Police Station No. 1 allege physical and verbal abuse
Ombudsman monitoring of the 19 Oct protest (reported 20 Oct 2026): eight minors were held at Police Station No. 1; five alleged officers physically and verbally abused them; monitors observed signs of physical injury in two cases. Findings are preliminary and administrative investigations were opened. The article does not say where the injuries were seen. Police said seven officers were suspended pending disciplinary investigation; the article does not link them to the minors' claims.
Police
Ombudsman: footage raises concerns about people dragged and struck with rubber batons; Security Block over capacity
Ombudsman statement on monitoring of the 20 Oct protest (21 Oct 2026): footage released from the protest 'raises concerns regarding individuals being dragged and struck with rubber batons'; citizens sent footage of alleged police violence during detention and escort. The Security Block held 118 people against an official capacity of 67, including 6 minors; six complaints were received, all alleging violence on 20 Oct inside the Security Block. A man in hospital was handcuffed to the bed with a police officer present; he alleged violence during arrest and a severe eye injury. The Ombudsman asked the State Police to preserve footage and install cameras in holding areas.
Protest
National rally in Tirana: thousands; tear gas, water cannon, rubber bullets; more than 300 injured per authorities
Al Jazeera (24 Oct 2026, read) reports 'thousands' answered calls from organisers, including university professors, artists and opposition parties. Demands: better support for education and Rama's resignation; the focus since May has broadened to corruption and cost of living. Police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets; security was heightened and cars entering the capital were checked. Some protesters threw stones and rolled burning bins at the Education Ministry; several government buildings were attacked. Authorities: more than 300 protesters and police injured and dozens of demonstrators arrested (no dates given for these figures). Rama blamed 'foreign actors' and accused Russia and Iran of driving online misinformation. Red cushions set outside government headquarters as a dialogue gesture were set on fire by protesters. A protester losing an eye after rubber bullets is reported in an exit.al headline (24 Oct) and recorded in(vid-vishkulli-injury-no-footage-2026-10-24).
Police
Erjon Vishkulli hit in left eye by rubber bullet during Tirana protest
Balkanweb (25 Oct 2026, fetched) reports that a rubber bullet ('plumb gome') hit 28-year-old Erjon Vishkulli in the eye during the 24 Oct protest, causing serious injury; initial care was at the Trauma University Hospital and the Military Hospital; he was then sent to Italy. Doctor Ermal Pashaj said a shot at head height can cause such damage. A Balkanweb search-result snippet (not opened) reports Tirana prosecution proceedings no. 7806/2026 under articles 248 and 250 of the Criminal Code, with footage and the victim's medical file reviewed. A Health Minister statement (reported in snippet) says surgery at Gemelli hospital in Rome saved the eye; a Ground News summary citing albeu.com reports a haemorrhage during surgery. These accounts conflict. The Bank of Albania footage request and 20 medical records in the brief were not found.
Police
Ombudsman drafting recommendations on use of force, including tear gas and rubber bullets
The Ombudsman told the Swiss Ambassador that it is drafting specific recommendations on police use of force during public gatherings, including standards for tear gas and rubber bullets. The page describes these as being drafted, not yet issued.
Connections
Licence revoked after the 30 May clash
Evidence: The State Police revoked the licences of Major Security and Myrto Security 1.3A (ADN and Balkanweb search summaries).
Ombudsman investigates police proportionality
Evidence: Ombudsman statement, 18 June 2026: administrative investigation into police actions against protesters.
Confirms rubber bullets 'in a limited manner'
Evidence: Al Jazeera, 17 Oct 2026, quoting Hita; 7 officers suspended pending investigation.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 23 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 14 sources
- Publisher
- Al Jazeera
- Date
- 17 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate
- Date
- 16 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Citizens.al
- Date
- 1 Jun 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate (Albania)
- Date
- 18 Jun 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate
- Date
- 13 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Al Jazeera
- Date
- 14 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Reuters (via Internazionale)
- Date
- 14 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Al Jazeera
- Date
- 18 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Econotimes
- Date
- 20 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate
- Date
- 21 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Al Jazeera
- Date
- 24 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate
- Date
- 30 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Albanian Daily News
- Date
- 17 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Office of the People's Advocate (Avokati i Popullit)
- Date
- undated
Source label: Under investigationUnder investigation · 7 sources
- Publisher
- RSF
- Date
- 21 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Citizens.al
- Date
- 31 May 2026
- Publisher
- Wikipedia
- Date
- 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 21 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 25 Oct 2026
- Publisher
- Exit.al
- Date
- 2020
- Publisher
- Albanian Daily News
- Date
- Jun 2026
Source label: UnverifiedUnverified · 2 sources
- Publisher
- Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW)
- Date
- 23 Jun 2026
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 13 Oct 2026