The Res Publica Center, together with other organizations, lawyers, students and engaged citizens, has filed a criminal complaint at the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution (SPAK), seeking an investigation into what it describes as an organized mechanism to suppress protests and intimidate citizens.

The complaint targets State Police Director General Skënder Hita and other senior police officials, while also calling for an investigation into the potential roles of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo, including their communications with police leadership and any contribution to the alleged authorization, support or toleration of unlawful practices.

According to the complainant, more than 180 alleged incidents of unlawful conduct have been documented over several days in Tirana and other cities. The reported incidents include excessive and disproportionate use of force, the deployment of masked police officers without individual identification marks, and the involvement of unidentified civilians allegedly participating in detentions and assaults against protesters in the presence of, or in cooperation with, police officers.

The complaint argues that the use of unidentifiable officers and unidentified civilians created conditions for effective impunity, making it difficult for victims and the public to identify those responsible. It calls for an examination of whether these practices were isolated incidents or part of a coordinated operation intended to discourage public dissent.

It also allege that police failed to adequately prevent violent acts and damage to public property, including the burning of court buildings, while directing force against protesters more broadly. They cite reports of beatings, the use of tear gas and other substances described as unidentified or uncertified, and the firing of rubber bullets toward the upper body, warning that such practices can cause serious injuries or even death.

SPAK is being asked to investigate the entire chain of command and determine whether the alleged abuses resulted from individual misconduct or constituted an organized practice that was ordered, supported or knowingly tolerated by senior officials. The filing also refers to European Court of Human Rights standards concerning investigations into police violence, impunity and the responsibility of senior officials.

The complainants say separate criminal complaints will also be pursued against individuals allegedly involved in specific acts of violence. They have expressed confidence that SPAK will conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation and establish accountability where wrongdoing is proven.