A masked young woman removed the Israeli flag from the premises of Israel’s Embassy in Tirana during a demonstration held in the Albanian capital, marking the 21st protest organized in recent weeks.

The incident prompted a swift response from Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which strongly condemned the act, describing it as an expression of hatred and intolerance rather than a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression or the right to peaceful protest.

“The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania strongly condemns the removal and desecration of the flag of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Tirana by masked protesters during last night’s demonstration,” the ministry said in an official statement.

According to the ministry, such actions are incompatible with democratic values, European standards, and the principles of mutual respect and coexistence that characterize Albanian society.

Officials emphasized that while peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, acts targeting diplomatic symbols and institutions undermine the values of tolerance and respect that Albania seeks to uphold.

No immediate information was released regarding the identity of the individual involved or whether any legal action would be taken following the incident.