The General Director of State Police, Skendër Hita, acknowledged serious shortcomings in the police handling of recent incidents during the Zvërnec protest, describing the events as a stain on the reputation of the State Police.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Vlora Regional Police Directorate this Monday, Hita said that police officers failed to uphold professional standards during the demonstration, prompting the dismissal of Vlora Police Director Elidon Cela.

“The responsibility belongs to all of us,” Hita said. “This is an event that shames us all and does not allow us to claim that we performed at our best. All professional standards were violated, which is why this reaction and the dismissal of the local police director became necessary.”

According to Hita, responsibility for managing the protest rested primarily with the Vlora Police Directorate. He added that local police leadership had received support from State Police headquarters, but stressed that this did not reduce their accountability for the way the protest was handled.

Addressing the ongoing investigation, Hita said legal proceedings have been initiated against three employees of private security company Major Security, as well as several protesters accused of violating the law during the demonstration.

The incidents in Zvërnec have sparked public debate over police conduct and the management of protests linked to environmental concerns, leading to increased scrutiny of law enforcement actions in the area.