The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania strongly condemns the removal and desecration of the flag of the Embassy of the State of Israel in Tirana by masked protesters during last night’s demonstration.

Such acts have nothing to do with freedom of expression, the legitimate right to peaceful protest, or with our democratic values and European standards, which we have built and continue to strengthen every day. They are manifestations of hatred, intolerance, and incitement, and are entirely incompatible with the principles of respect and coexistence that Albania is founded upon and firmly upholds.

This shameful act stands in contrast to the long-standing Albanian tradition of hospitality, harmony, and respect for others, values that have characterized our society for generations. They do not represent Albania, nor the Albanian people. They represent only those who seek to provoke, divide, and spread hatred, while deliberately abusing and misusing rights and freedoms.

The Ministry reiterates Albania’s unwavering commitment to the protection of diplomatic missions and their symbols, in full accordance with international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We express our solidarity with the Embassy of the State of Israel and underline that violence, intimidation, and hate speech cannot and will not have a place in a democratic society.