Activist and student Anjeza Marku, invited to the studio News24, has sharply criticized Prime Minister Edi Rama for the new punitive measures announced against protesters, stating that the government is trying to exert pressure on young people through fines and administrative sanctions.

Mark rejected claims that students are responsible for starting clashes during the protests, while raising concerns about the use of rubber bullets and tear gas by police forces.

"Violence never started with students. The use of rubber bullets has a distance from where they should be used. They should be used at a distance of about 50 meters and should not target the chest and upper body," she said.

Commenting on the legal package presented by Rama, which foresees high fines and other measures against participants in violent protests, the activist stated that the students have no intention of withdrawing from their demand for the prime minister's resignation.

"We demand Rama's resignation. Apparently, no one has approached him for dialogue and he is trying to exert pressure and violence from all sides, threatening with fines and administrative measures. There is no one on his side anymore," Marku declared.

The student emphasized that one of the main reasons that prompted her to participate in the protests is the lack of meritocracy in Albania. According to her, the rallies are attended by educated young people and students with excellent results, who are demanding equal opportunities and a better future in the country.

"I am protesting because of the lack of meritocracy in this country. There are many excellent young people in that protest. The young people there, for the most part, are very educated and help each other," she said.

Mark also denounced the widespread use of tear gas during police interventions, raising questions about the identification and safety of the means used.

"The use of tear gas to that extent by the police is criminal. There is no label, expiration date, etc.," the activist said.