Protest in Tirana calls for accountability following teen’s tragic death
A peaceful protest unfolded in Tirana today as parents, teachers, and students marched from “Fan Noli” school to the Ministry of Education. With banners reading “Irresponsible institutions kill,” participants demanded accountability following the tragic stabbing of 14-year-old Martin Cani, which occurred near his school.
Why is this important: The protest highlights the shock and grief the killing has caused, but also frustration with school safety. Martin’s murder has sparked widespread calls for systemic change, emphasizing the role of institutions in preventing such tragedies. Protesters also demanded the resignation of the Minister of Education and Sports blaming the government for inadequate security and oversight.
What happened: On November 18, Martin was fatally stabbed by a classmate in a confrontation that escalated from a previous dispute. Although the stabbing took place outside of the school premises, the incident has raised serious concerns about safety in schools and the impact of social media on youth violence. Protesters criticized institutions for failing to intervene effectively to prevent the altercation from escalating into a tragedy.
Speakers at the protest accused the government of deflecting responsibility by focusing on banning TikTok and Snapchat rather than addressing systemic issues. “Social media is dangerous, but the government cannot evade accountability,” said one protester. Another claimed, “The Ministry failed to act on early warning signs.”
Calls for resignation: Protesters directed their anger at the Minister, chanting “Resign!” and demanding her immediate departure. Parents and teachers voiced their concerns about institutional negligence. “Where was the school administration, the police, or even an ambulance?” asked one teacher at the march. Others pointed to a lack of communication and proper protocols for reporting conflicts among students.
Statement from Martin’s family: Martin’s mother, in a message read aloud at the protest, expressed her grief: “Martin was full of dreams and life. Both were taken from him. I hope no one else has to endure this pain.” Martin’s classmates also joined the march, holding photos of their friend. One classmate shared that Martin had confided about being upset over a prior argument with the perpetrator, but no one anticipated the tragic outcome.
Next steps: The protest underscores growing public demand for action, with calls for improved school security measures and better conflict management protocols. Protesters emphasized the importance of institutional accountability to prevent future tragedies and ensure a safer environment for students. The government faces pressure to implement meaningful reforms, particularly in ensuring that schools are equipped to handle and prevent such incidents. Whether these demands will result in substantive change remains to be seen.
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