Tirana Times
TIRANA, April 19 – Police is a key object and target of pressure under the electoral campaign. Besides doing the daily duties they should also take care of the electoral campaign and bear the criticism usually coming from the opposition. And one could say it would be normal to think that political pressure on the force during campaigns undermines their work.
Meanwhile that was reflected in a concrete case since last week and prosecutors are probing a row between the ministry of interior and police over an alleged order to subdue opposition protesters.
Tirana prosecutors will question Albania’s Special Forces Commander Shemsi Prenci and Deputy Minister of Interior Avenir Peka, after accusations of political pressure surfaced following a campaign incident.Prenci filed charges in Tirana prosecutor’s office against Peka last week, accusing him of trying to send his units against opposition protestors, after clashes with a rival political gang on April 10. Prenci told reporters that Peka had “threatened and insulted him” after he refused the order that he believed was illegal. Peka has declined to comment on the accusations and filed a counter-suit against the police commander, accusing him of slander. The May 8 local elections, its electoral campaign are marred by many incidents like beatings, explosions that have caused no deaths. The campaign has been characterized by a tense political climate and several violent clashes between government and opposition supporters. It has become normal that police forces receive good marks of professionalism, like those in the former three elections. But it is not a surprise to know that police are widely used in past electoral campaigns to advance political interests.U.S. Ambassador Alexander Arvizu stated that the Albanian police must provide the proper environment for Albanians to be free to vote on May 8th.
“I had the opportunity to meet with the General Director of Police, Mr. Burgaj. I expressed and confirmed that all the confidence that we have in the police in this difficult situation after the incidents that have occurred. Also I assured that we will support the State Police and emphasized that it is important for the police to provide a safe and neutral environment for the conduct of elections, “said Arvizu.
He guaranteed the top policeman Hysni Burgaj, that the police will have the support of the internationals for guaranteeing safety during the May 8 electoral process. Arvizu noted that police should guarantee safety during the local elections, which will be held on the second Sunday of May.
OSCE Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth also highly evaluates police role that should be impartial and professional. It is normal that their service will be looked to by all Albanian citizens to assist in creating a calm environment in which these elections can be held.
There has been complaint from the opposition that police are being exploited by the governing Democrats.
