The Albanian government has approved amendments to the country’s Law on Assemblies, introducing temporary restrictions on protests in designated protected areas and measures targeting calls for violence linked to public demonstrations.

Under the new provisions, protected areas will include public transport stations and terminals, ports, airports, areas surrounding schools and hospitals, and cultural heritage sites. Additional areas may also be designated by municipal councils.

The amendments further authorize the State Police to request the removal of messages containing calls for violence related to the organization or conduct of public assemblies when such content is distributed through social media, email, or telephone communications.

Authorities will notify those responsible that such actions constitute violations of applicable legislation, while administrative fines under the revised framework will range from 10,000 to 500,000 lek.

In a separate measure, the Council of Ministers has approved a normative act establishing a state compensation scheme for businesses damaged by violent acts during public gatherings.

The measures mark changes to Albania’s legal framework governing public assemblies, with provisions addressing both restrictions in designated areas and financial compensation for businesses affected by protest-related violence.