Youth protests in Tirana have been ongoing for seven days, while clashes and tensions have prompted strong reactions from well-known Albanian artists, who have called for it to be stopped and for an urgent solution before the situation escalates further.
Through the published messages, the artists have expressed their concern about the confrontation between Albanians and the danger that, according to them, is being threatened to the young people in the protest. Their appeal is clear: human life must be above any political interest and no opposition should turn into hatred or violence.
Moderator Bora Zemani has expressed her pain over what she describes as destruction, hatred and confrontation among Albanians. She calls for an urgent response and solution, warning of the consequences that the continuation of the situation could have.
"STOP THIS STUPIDITY! ENOUGH! It hurts my soul to see this destruction, this hatred, this war of Albanians with Albanians! Until when?! How many young lives must be at risk for us to become aware?! URGENT REACTION AND SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED! Before it is too late, before families are dressed in mourning! Nothing is worth more than life! An Albanian cannot destroy an Albanian!", writes Zemani.
Meanwhile, singer Elvana Gjata has called for an immediate end to violence against young people, emphasizing that anyone who uses violence must be held accountable.
She also states that using force to stop the protest could have the opposite effect, increasing support for protesters, students and young people.
"Violence against young people must stop immediately! Whoever commits violence will be held accountable! Whoever thinks that using force will stop the protest is mistaken. It will only increase support!", writes the singer, adding that history has been and will be on the side of the people, protesters, students and young people.
Singer Xhensila Myrtezaj is also positioned in the same line, conveying a direct message against violence and clashes between Albanians.
"No armchair is worth the life of an Albanian! STOP FRATRICULTURE!", writes Myrtezaj.
Even the singer from Kosovo, Tim Ademi, known as True Kapo, has reacted to the protests.
"Call to the Kosovo media! What is happening in Albania should not pass in silence. I call on the Kosovo media to devote the attention and space it deserves to the voice of the citizens who are protesting. Journalism is not only a profession, but also a moral responsibility towards the truth and the public interest.
I am not asking for biased reporting, but fair, independent and uncensored reporting. Every injustice, every violation of rights and every abuse of power should be documented, without hiding any facts. The border divides us administratively, but truth and responsibility for each other know no boundaries.
"Silence should not be a choice," he writes.
The artists' reactions come at a time when youth protests in the capital have been ongoing for several days, while calls to stop the violence and find a solution as soon as possible are becoming stronger. Their common message is that no political interest should be placed over the lives of citizens and that the situation should not end with irreparable consequences for Albanian families.
