A man speaking during a citizens' protest in Tirana made serious allegations against Albanian authorities, claiming that his family was targeted because some of his relatives had participated in anti-government demonstrations, local media say.
Addressing the crowd, the protester alleged that his 12-year-old daughter was removed from a hospital in the middle of the night as retaliation for the participation of several of her cousins in the protests. According to the father, the girl is in serious health condition and has been bedridden for the past 37 days.
The man also claimed that after his daughter was discharged, he contacted the police and requested assistance to transport her by ambulance but did not receive the help he sought.
"The main reason was that some of her cousins took part in the protest. My daughter was taken out of the hospital at midnight. I informed the police and asked for an ambulance escort. They told me, 'Take her unconscious and take her wherever you want.' I address the Prime Minister over the order he gave. He took revenge on a 12-year-old child. My daughter's life is at risk. She has been suffering in bed for 37 days," the man told protesters.
The allegations have not been independently verified and reflect only the protester's account of events. As of publication, Albania's health authorities, the police, and other relevant institutions have not publicly responded to the accusations. Any response from the authorities will be added as it becomes available.