By Zylyftar Bregu

In the confidential and professional Integrity Platform of the Albanian Helsinki Committee

Various citizens, most of whom participated in the marathon protest since the end of May, have used the Integrity Desk Albania platform to submit their complaints regarding incidents that occurred during more than 45 days of daily protests (even on some special days, two rallies within a day).

The platform created to support citizens and civil society organizations in promoting transparency, integrity and accountability in Albania has made it possible to receive the first complaints from citizens. In accordance with the platform protocol, all complaints have been treated in full confidentiality, by AHC legal experts and protecting the personal data of citizens. Based on the data that each complaint referred to, in some cases they have been forwarded to the responsible institutions for further investigation and treatment.

The largest flow of complaints that have been filed is related to the rally held on July 2, 2026, which was accompanied by several incidents. Some protesters complained about the use of disproportionate violence by police officers, after they were neutralized, or during their escort from the protest site to the isolation rooms in the capital's police stations. There were also complaints regarding the provision of health services in the isolation rooms in the police stations on the one hand and on the other hand regarding the lack of readiness to identify signs of violence by forensic experts.

AHC, together with other organizations in the field of human rights protection, have made a public response regarding all complaints received regarding the July 2 protest. “In a state of law, violence against the police is punishable, but it does not justify mistreatment by the police in any situation, just as allegations of mistreatment are not proven or refuted by political statements,” the statement reads.n of civil society organizations. At the same time, AHC has addressed the Tirana Judicial District Prosecutor's Office to initiate an ex-officio investigation, immediately and without delay, in an independent, comprehensive and effective manner.

In addition to these, other complaints related to information on corruption, various injustices on the part of the public administration, or the justice system have been filed on this platform.

Protesters complain that they are facing various forms of intimidation that aim to discourage them from participating in a peaceful gathering, such as messages sent on social networks, through their close circle or even unjustified police escorts. In order for AHC to be put into action for each case, based on the data and information available and in accordance with the legislation in force, we encourage you to report these violations, in a specific manner, immediately on our Integrity Desk Albania platform. Filling out the form only takes a few minutes.

Tool Integrity Desk Albania aims to strengthen the fight against corruption and to increase the transparency and accountability of public institutions at central and local level, which will lead to better outcomes for citizens, and especially for marginalized communities.

through safe, professional and confidential support to those who are "victims" of corruption, or have information about corrupt acts.