Justice Minister Toni Gogu has condemned the violence following tonight’s protest in Tirana, after fires reportedly affected the High Court building and damage was reported at the entrance of the Bank of Albania.

In a public statement, Gogu emphasized that both institutions are independent and serve the interests of the country and its citizens, stressing that neither is a government office.

“Protest is a right. Violence is not protest,” the minister declared, drawing a distinction between peaceful demonstrations and acts of destruction.

Gogu also thanked firefighters for their response, expressed solidarity with judges and staff at the High Court, and reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s readiness to provide support within its legal responsibilities while respecting judicial independence.

“People should not pay the price of violence. The door of justice must remain open to everyone,” he concluded.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in Tirana, as concerns grow over the reported damage to public institutions during the demonstrations.