ALBANIA CANNOT BE LEFT ALONE: UK ACTION FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE ALBANIAN PEOPLE 

As an Albanian living in the United Kingdom, I refuse to remain silent while the rights, dignity and security of people in my homeland are put at risk.

For months, Albanian citizens have raised their voices demanding justice and accountability. Instead of addressing the causes of their anger, the government must not resort to rhetoric that intimidates citizens or makes them fear consequences for speaking out. Threats involving students’ financial support or the welfare of their families, if made, are deeply concerning and must be clarified publicly.

Equally alarming are reports of police brutality. Disturbing footage appears to show unprovoked police violence, several officers attacking one person, and unidentified individuals allegedly detaining and threatening people to discourage protest. These incidents demand independent investigation and accountability. No one should suffer abuse or intimidation for demanding justice. No person should be beaten, injured or humiliated by those entrusted with protecting the public. Every allegation of police abuse must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable.

A government must never use its power to make its own people afraid. Students must not be made to fear for their future, families must not be used as leverage, and no citizen should suffer retaliation for demanding accountability.

I call on the UK Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the British Embassy in Tirana to:

•Publicly raise concerns about intimidation and alleged police brutality with the Albanian authorities.
•Demand independent, transparent investigations into the use of force, including against people who did not attack anyone.
• Seek clear assurances that students and their families will not face retaliation or arbitrary withdrawal of financial assistance because of their participation in civic action or their political views.
•Maintain diplomatic scrutiny of Albania’s commitment to democracy, human rights, accountability and the rule of law.

Why the UK must act

Behind every protest are human beings: sons and daughters, parents and families, people who deserve to live without fear. No one should have to risk their safety or their future simply for demanding justice. Human rights have no borders, and silence in the face of suffering leaves people feeling abandoned. I am asking the UK not to look away, but to use its voice and influence to defend human dignity, demand accountability and remind the Albanian people that they have not been forgotten. This is not about politics or choosing sides. It is about humanity—and the belief that no person’s rights should matter less because of where they were born.

This is not a campaign against Albania. It is a call to stand with its people. Democracy must also be measured by how a government treats citizens who challenge it.

When a people raise their voices for justice and a better future, the world must not ignore them. If their own voices are not being heard, let the world hear them.

Albania’s people must not be ignored. Albania’s people deserve dignity, justice and freedom from intimidation. The UK must not look away. Please sign and share this petition.