A large banner featuring the Palestinian flag and the slogan “Free PALESTINE” was displayed on Monday evening on an old building in the former courthouse area of Vlora.
The banner, which quickly drew the attention of passersby, was removed around 10:00 p.m. by local police and municipal workers. Authorities explained that the removal was in line with regulations prohibiting the placement of banners or writings with political content in public spaces.
The individual who installed the banner has been identified. He claimed that the building had been rented by him and argued that he had the right to display messages of his choice on the property he uses.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions in Vlora. Some residents interpreted the banner as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people, while others emphasized the importance of respecting local laws. Authorities are continuing to review the case.
The display comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. Since October 2023, violence between Israel and Hamas has escalated dramatically, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International organizations, including the United Nations, have repeatedly warned of famine, mass displacement, and a collapse of basic services.
Globally, “Free Palestine” has become a widely recognized slogan in demonstrations, symbolizing calls for an end to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and broader demands for Palestinian statehood and rights. Across Europe and beyond, public displays of solidarity have sometimes clashed with local laws regulating political symbols in public spaces, leading to controversies similar to the one in Vlora.