TIRANA, Albania — October 28, 2026 — The Albanian government has approved a normative act introducing significant amendments to Law No. 8773 of 2001 on public gatherings, expanding police powers to restrict demonstrations in cases of imminent risk of violence and sharply increasing administrative fines, which can reach 500,000 lek.
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Police can restrict protests for up to 72 hours
Under the new rules, when there is a “real, serious and imminent risk” of violence or property damage, the head of the local police authority, with the approval of the prefect, may impose temporary restrictions around educational, healthcare or state institutions for up to 72 hours.
The restrictions cannot cover the entire territory of a local self-government unit. The act also allows children accompanied by an adult to pass through the restricted areas to reach school or their homes.
Another new provision introduces an “Order to Leave Protected Areas”. Police may require specific individuals to leave locations such as terminals, ports, schools and hospitals for up to 48 hours if they engage in violence, damage property or harass members of the public.
The measure states that such orders cannot be imposed solely because someone participates in a peaceful demonstration or for discriminatory reasons.
Police to monitor online calls for violence
Article 19/1 introduces provisions concerning calls for violence circulated through social media, email or telephone communications during the organisation of public gatherings.
According to the act, the State Police may identify the accounts or telephone numbers involved and send their holders an official request to remove the content and refrain from repeating the conduct. If the material is not removed, police may take further legal action.
The act also authorises police to make audiovisual recordings of warnings ordering the dispersal of a demonstration and of acts of violence. These recordings may be used to collect evidence relating to damage caused to public spaces and the recovery of repair costs.
Fines increase, reaching 500,000 lek
One of the most significant changes concerns administrative penalties, with several existing fines substantially increased and new offences introduced.
Under the provisions described in the act:
- Participation in a prohibited gathering or failure to obey a dispersal order: fines rise from 1,000–10,000 lek to 10,000–100,000 lek.
- Failure to disperse when a gathering becomes violent: fines range from 20,000 to 200,000 lek.
- Refusal to disperse while concealing one's identity or face: the fine can reach 500,000 lek.
- Unlawful concealment of the face: fines range from 10,000 to 100,000 lek, with exceptions for medical, religious and professional reasons, including journalists and doctors.
- Blocking roads without conduct amounting to a criminal offence: a fine of 5,000 lek per person for each day of obstruction, regardless of how long the individual remained at the blockade.
New rules raise questions about protest rights
The amendments introduce a broader framework for managing public demonstrations, including temporary restrictions, individual removal orders, online monitoring and higher financial penalties.
Their practical impact will depend on how the provisions are applied by police and other authorities, as well as the legal safeguards available to individuals who challenge restrictions or fines.
Because the changes concern the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly, their implementation will be particularly important in determining how public safety measures are balanced with freedom of expression and the right to protest.
The full text of the normative act and its publication and entry-into-force details should be checked against the official legal record before the new provisions are treated as fully applicable.