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The allegations have not been independently verified, but they have intensified questions surrounding the government's handling of the protests and the identity of masked individuals seen in footage circulating on social media.
Genci Gjokutaj Shares Video of Masked Men Carrying Police Equipment
Albanian lawyer Genci Gjokutaj has shared a video on social media showing several masked men, some of whom appear to be carrying police-style batons and shields.
In his accompanying statement, Gjokutaj claimed that the individuals had arrived from Serbia and questioned how they could have entered Albania without being registered in the TIMS system.
“According to reliable sources, these individuals came from Serbia, around 30 people, and what is serious is that they entered Albanian territory without being registered upon entry in the TIMS system!” Gjokutaj wrote.
His allegations raise questions about the identities of the masked individuals, their possible affiliations, and whether they were involved in the confrontations surrounding the demonstrations.
However, the footage alone does not establish the individuals' nationality, whether they entered Albania through Serbia, or whether they were acting under government instructions.
Enver Bytyçi Accuses Rama of Links to States Hostile to Albania
Albanian researcher Enver Bytyçi has also made allegations concerning Prime Minister Edi Rama's alleged connections with foreign states.
Speaking to a local media outlet, Bytyçi stated: “Edi Rama is connected to states that are hostile toward Albania, and this is demonstrated by the fact that Albanian security forces have come to protect the Albanian law enforcement forces.”
His remarks reflect concerns expressed by some critics of the government over the security response to the demonstrations and the possibility of foreign involvement in the unrest.
Other social media figures have circulated similar claims, including Arjan Koci, one of the most active participants in the protests.
Allegations of Serbian Involvement Await Verification
The claims have emerged amid heightened tensions in Tirana, where anti-government demonstrations have been accompanied by clashes, arrests, and property damage.
Those making the allegations argue that the presence of masked individuals carrying police-style equipment warrants an investigation into their identities and the circumstances surrounding their appearance during the protests.
At this stage, however, there is no independently verified evidence establishing that the individuals came from Serbia, bypassed Albania's TIMS registration system, or were sent by Rama to attack protesters.
Confirmation from Albanian authorities, including border entry records and information identifying the individuals shown in the footage, would be necessary to establish whether the allegations are accurate.
The claims remain unverified as public scrutiny of the government's response to the protests continues.