Ombudsman has reported preliminary findings of alleged police abuse, overcrowded detention facilities and inadequate conditions during four days of protests, calling for immediate action by state authorities.

Ombudsman Endrit Shabani said monitoring teams had contacted 214 people deprived of their liberty over the past 72 hours, documenting complaints of violence during detention, insufficient medical care and police officers in plain clothes without identification.

Inspectors also reported detainees sleeping two to a bed or on floor mattresses, with shortages of blankets, heating, drinking water and hygiene supplies at Tirana’s Security Block.

The report further identified cases in which minors were questioned without a parent or guardian and a psychologist present. Visible signs of violence were documented in records concerning 26 detainees at the facility.

Shabani called on the State Police to ensure officers are identifiable during operations and minors are kept separate from adults. He also urged the Interior Ministry to urgently improve detention conditions and ensure access to food, water, heating, hygiene facilities and medical care.

The Ombudsman stressed that the findings are preliminary and that individual cases are still being verified. The institution condemned all forms of violence, including attacks on police officers, protesters and public or private property, while emphasizing that any use of force by authorities must be necessary and proportionate.