Footage has been released of the incident that occurred on Saturday evening during the 21st protest in Tirana, where a masked protester climbed near the “House with Leaves” museum area and removed the flag of the State of Israel placed near the Israeli Embassy.
The incident occurred during a protest where thousands of citizens gathered in the capital to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, as well as the removal of what they consider to be the old political class.
Footage shared on social media shows the moment the masked protester climbs and pulls the flag, an action that caused immediate reactions.
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also reacted to this incident, issuing an official statement strongly condemning the removal and desecration of the flag of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Tirana.
In its response, the Ministry emphasized that such actions have nothing to do with freedom of expression or the right to peaceful protest, but constitute manifestations of hatred, intolerance and incitement to division.
“This shameful act contradicts the long Albanian tradition of hospitality, harmony and respect for others. It does not represent Albania nor the Albanian people, but only those who seek to provoke and spread hatred,” the statement said, among other things.
Further, the Ministry reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and their symbols, in accordance with international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.