Albanian Academics in the Diaspora Back Students, Condemn Police Violence Amid Albania’s Flamingo Revolution

  Taulant Muka, a prominent Albanian academic and scientist who is also active in Albania’s social and political life, has publicly expressed his support for students participating in the “Flamingo Revolution in Albania,” a protest movement that has continued for more than 140 consecutive days.

 

Muka briefly served as Deputy Minister of Education before resigning, reportedly after witnessing what he described as widespread and rampant corruption within the ministry.

 

In a public statement, Muka joined other Albanian academics and researchers in the diaspora in expressing solidarity with the students and condemning police violence against young protesters. The statement reads:

“We, Albanian academics in the diaspora, support the students and condemn police violence against young people. They must be able to demand change without fear! We owe them an Albania where they can build their future with dignity and receive a quality education.”

Full Statement by Albanian Academics and Researchers in the Diaspora

We, Albanian academics and researchers abroad, reaffirm our solidarity with students and citizens who have been protesting for months in pursuit of a more democratic Albania, with accountable institutions, justice, and genuine opportunities for the future.

Regardless of our political beliefs, one fundamental human concern must unite us: no family should have to fear whether a young person who has gone out to protest for a better future will return home safely.

In our first statement, we emphasized that the protests are not a reaction to a single event, but an expression of deep social dissatisfaction stemming from repeated political and institutional failures. After months of mobilization and persistent demands, the absence of credible responses has further deepened public distrust in institutions.

We distance ourselves from every form of violence. Nevertheless, recent developments cannot be separated from the history of these protests and the causes that prompted them. Addressing this crisis requires understanding and confronting those underlying causes, rather than diverting attention away from the protesters’ demands.

At the heart of this crisis lies the question of what kind of future Albania offers its young people. Chronic underfunding of education and scientific research, the absence of meritocracy, political interference, and limited professional prospects are not problems separate from the democratic crisis.

When knowledge and honest work are not given the value they deserve, it undermines not only young people's ability to build their lives in their own country, but also their confidence that institutions serve the public.

Education, science, and innovation must be at the center of institutional change and a new social contract.

The government and the political class bear a particular responsibility for responding to this crisis. It is not enough to ask citizens to remain calm and patient while their demands go unanswered.

What is needed is genuine engagement, accountability, and public commitments backed by clear measures and deadlines, particularly regarding education, scientific research, and opportunities for young people. The responsibility of those who possess the authority and means to act cannot be equated with that of citizens demanding change.

Law enforcement authorities have a duty to protect citizens, including when they protest against the government. The footage and testimonies made public concerning the use of force require genuinely serious, independent, and transparent scrutiny, including an assessment of whether police interventions were necessary and proportionate, as well as an examination of the responsibilities of those in command.

Public safety and respect for fundamental freedoms must not be treated as mutually exclusive objectives.

Civil society and the media have a responsibility to protect the space for democratic protest and ensure that public attention is not diverted from citizens’ demands.

We call on our international partners, particularly the institutions of the European Union, the EU Delegation in Albania, and the United States Embassy, to closely monitor developments, demand respect for democratic rights, and encourage institutional accountability.

In our previous letter to the European Commission, we expressed our concerns about education and Albania’s democratic future. These concerns remain as relevant as ever and require sustained engagement, beyond general calls for calm.

Social peace is not simply the absence of protests or confrontations. It requires justice, institutions that listen, and genuine opportunities for citizens to influence decision-making.

The response to this crisis cannot be limited to maintaining public order. It must also address the political and institutional conditions that have undermined public trust.

Our support for the legitimate demands of students and citizens remains unwavering.

We owe young people an Albania where they can build their lives with dignity and demand change without fear. They must feel that their country listens to them, protects them, and recognizes that it needs them.

This statement is supported and signed by the following Albanian academics and researchers in the diaspora (97 signatories). The full and updated list: diaspora-akademike.org/#studentet 

List of Signatories

1. Dr. Abdulmenaf Sejdini – UAE
2. Dr. Adriana Sejfia – United Kingdom
3. Dr. Agon Memedi – Germany
4. Dr. Ajrina Hysaj – UAE
5. Profesor Alban Kuriqi – Kosovo
6. PhD c. Albana Celepija – Italy
7. Dr. Aledia Bilali – Germany
8. PhD c. Alessio Lukaj – Switzerland
9. PhD c. Alfonc Baba – Italy
10. PhD c. Ana Haxhiu Gjeci – Switzerland
11. Dr. Andi Rroku – Germany
12. PhD c. Anjeza Llubani – Austria
13. Dr. Anxhela Rredhi – Germany
14. Dr. Prof. Arben Myrta – Netherlands
15. Dr. Arbër Zela – Switzerland
16. Dr. Arieda Muco – Austria
17. Dr. Arlind Kadra – Germany
18. Dr. Armand Kapaj – Switzerland
19. Dr. Artan Hysa – Germany
20. Dr.Ing. Artan Shyti – Italy
21. PhD Besmira Nushi – Switzerland
22. PhD c. Bukurie Ozuni – Italy
23. PhD c. Butrint Avdijaj – Belgium
24. Dr. Driton Bajrami – Switzerland
25. Prof.Asoc.Dr. Edlira Dushku – Denmark
26. Prof.asoc. Elda Cina – Kuwait
27. Dr. Elima Shehu – Germany
28. Dr. Eltjana Shkreli – Italy
29. Dr.-Ing. Endri Goshi – Germany
30. Prof. Assoc. Endrit Hoxha – Denmark
31. Dr. Eni Levallet – Germany
32. PhD Enis Ulqinaku – Switzerland
33. Dr. Enisa Shevroja – Switzerland
34. Prof.Asoc.Dr. Enkelejda Havari – France
35. Dr. Rer. Med. Erand Llanaj – Germany
36. Dr. Eriomina Shahaj – United Kingdom
37. Dr. Erion Çano – Germany
38. Dr. Erion Murati – Germany
39. PhD Ernil Sabaj – United Kingdom
40. PhD Ertila Druga – Germany
41. Dr. Ervisa Zhamo (Kosova) – USA
42. PhD Candidate Eugerta Muçi – Netherlands
43. Dr. Fatjon Cela – Italy
44. Dr. Fjorda Koromani – Netherlands
45. Dr. Florian Millo – France
46. Dr. Gentian Zavalani – Germany
47. PhD c. Giola Cami – Hungary
48. Prof. Asoc. Dr. Gramoz Goranci – Austria
49. Dr. Helga Dizdari – Switzerland
50. PhD c. Helga Luku – Belgium
51. PhD c. Irida Shyti – USA
52. Dr. Isilda Mara – Austria
53. Dr. Jana Nano – Germany
54. Dr. Jona Krutaj – United Kingdom
55. Dr. Jonian Sinaj – Switzerland
56. Prof. Dr. sc. Jürgen Cito – Austria
57. Dr.med.univ. Kevin Hamzaraj – Austria
58. Dr.-Ing. Klajdi Sotiri – Germany
59. Dr. Klara BUDA – France
60. Cand.Dr. Klejdi Nurellari – Germany
61. Dr. Kostina Prifti – United Kingdom
62. Dr. Kristi Buzo – Italy
63. Dr. Kristian Sevdari – Denmark
64. PhD c. Lorenci Gjurgjaj – Italy
65. PhD c. Lotar Kurti – Germany
66. Dr. Marilica Zemkollari – Austria
67. Dr. Mentar Mahmudi – Germany
68. Prof. Dr. Mira Mezini – Germany
69. PhD c. Mirea Mema – Spain
70. Dr. Mirjana Kraja Sejdini – UAE
71. Prof. Asoc. Musard Balliu – Sweden
72. Prof. Ass.Dr. Nertila Podgorica – Austria
73. Dr. med. Olger Kraja – Germany
74. Dr. Olsi Kusta – Denmark
75. Prof. Assoc. Oltiana Muharremi – USA
76. Prof. Asoc. Dr. Ornela Dardha – United Kingdom
77. Dr. Orsa Kekezi – Sweden
78. Dr. Perparim Xhaferi – Australia
79. PhD student Rezar Lleshi – Italy
80. Dr. Sabah Bushaj – USA
81. Dr. Saimir Bala – Germany
82. PhD c. Selma Dyca – France
83. PhD c. Serena Leka – Denmark
84. Dr. Shkelzen Hasanaj – Italy
85. Dr. Silvi Domnori – Turkey
86. PhD c. Sofokli Çakalli – USA
87. Prof. Assoc. Dr. Sokol Kosta – Denmark
88. Prof. As. Dr. Suela Kacerja – Norway
89. Dr. Taulant Muka – Switzerland
90. Dr. Theodor Kouro – USA
91. Miss Valbona Rexha – Italy
92. Dr. Vanesa Osmani – Germany
93. Dr. Vanisa Petriti – USA
94. Dr. Vilma Xhakollari – Ireland
95. Dr. Viola Gjylbegaj – UAE
96. Dr. Zamira Xhaferri – Netherlands
97. Dr. Zenalda Hajdaraj – Italy