Police used batons to distribute the protest that tried to enter the embassies’ area in central Tirana.
TIRANA, April 14 – A group of nationalist activists held a march last weekend to protest the death of an Albanian convict following alleged torture by prison guards.
The protest was organized on social media networks and appeared to be an amalgamation of hardcore soccer fans and members of the Red and Black Alliance, a nationalist party that failed to get any seats in parliament last year.
Police used batons to distribute the protest that burnt Greek flags and tried to enter the embassies’ area in central Tirana. A few protesters were detained. A journalist was also attacked by police.
Following complaints, including those of the political opposition, police authorities suspended four police officers for misconduct and excessive use of force.
The protest was organized by a civic organization, a group identifying itself as My Albania, through social media networks. It was later joined by the RBA of Kreshnik Spahiu.
Police considered the protest as illegal as it had not asked for permission. Later on they reported that the top policeman had checked the authenticity of allegations of violence in the protest and had suspended the four police officers.
All this is linked to the death of Kristaq Kume, or Ilia Kareli, 42, as he was known in neighboring Greece. Kume, a convict accused of fatally stabbing a prison guard after being refused a furlough to visit his critically ill mother, was found dead in detention after being severely beaten and possibly tortured, Greek authorities said last month.
Kume was taken to the northern Nigrita Prison after Tuesday’s fatal stabbing in Malandrino, central Greece, where he was serving a 20-year sentence for attempted murder, robbery and drugs. He died after sustaining chest injuries and also had other injuries.
The coroner’s report also mentioned signs of beating on the soles of Kareli’s feet נa form of torture designed to cause painful swelling.The Justice Ministry is investigating his death. Greece has come under severe criticism from rights groups for the conditions in its overcrowded and understaffed prisons, which are designed for 9,300 inmates and have a population of 12,700.
The group of prison guards and police officers are facing criminal charges for severe physical harm, torture and homicide.
