Denada Jushi
"I've been using skateboards for five years, because it was the only solution to cover distances within Tirana."
"I live in Fresk and I have to go to different areas for work. It takes me up to three hours in urban areas, if I find a place," the protesters say.
Four months later ban on skateboard traffic electricity, a group of citizens, activists, users, but also business representatives gathered in front of the Ministry of Interior, demanding the return of the seized assets, the annulment of the decision, and compensation for economic losses.
Protesters consider the decision unfair, recalling that the initial promise was for a one-month lockdown, which has already exceeded 120 days.
Among the main voices was that of Rigers Xhemollari from the Civic Resistance, who publicly accused Minister Albana Koçiu of fraud and lack of transparency.
“We are here today to prove that the minister lied to us,” he declared, referring to the one-month deadline that, according to him, was promised at the beginning of the decision. “120 days have passed and the deadlock continues.”
Xhemollari raised several specific accusations. First, he said that the ministry had promised to draft clear rules for the use of skateboards, but according to him, this has not happened.
"You told us you would issue rules for their movement. Not only did you not issue them, but you expressed pride in the seizures," he said.
Another point of debate is related to the issue of the purchase invoice. Citizens have been asked to present the invoice to avoid the seizure of the vehicle. “The law states that the invoice must be kept on the day of purchase, not forever.”
Protesters also rejected the argument that skateboards have been banned. due to accidentsIn five years, cars have caused thousands of accidents, thousands of injuries and hundreds of fatalities, but the cars have not been removed from circulation, adding that the problem lies with law enforcement and not the vehicle itself.
Another argument raised by activists is related to infrastructure. They recalled that 52 kilometers of bicycle lanes have been built in the capital, an investment for which the authorities have also been promoted internationally. “It cannot be said today that there is a lack of infrastructure,” he said.
Citizens directly affected by the decision also spoke at the protest. One businessman said that the ban has significantly affected his daily activities. They describe the seizure as illegal and unjust.
The protesters also brought to attention concrete stories of citizens: a pizza chef who lives in Yzberisht and works at Ali Dem; a financier from Fresku who travels to Lapraka; a student from Shkoza who works at Astir and studies at the Polytechnic. According to them, for these citizens, skateboarding is not a luxury or a sport, but a means of livelihood.
At the end of his speech, the Citizens' Resistance called on Minister Koçiu to cancel the decision, draft the relevant regulations, and return the seized assets.
"Cancel the order, return the property to the citizens, and compensate those who have suffered losses," he declared, warning that the matter could be referred to the court and the prosecutor's office.
On the other hand, Minister Albana Koçiu declared a few days ago that she will not withdraw from the decision to ban skateboards and that work is being done to improve the legal framework before they are returned to circulation.
The parties remain in opposing positions, while citizens who used skateboards continue to wait for a solution, either through clear regulation of use or through the return of their vehicles.acqj.al
