TikTok brings the young people of the DP to the square, Berisha: Magnificent manifestation against censorship

The opposition came out this Saturday to protest on Tirana's main boulevard against the Rama government's decision to close the social network TikTok.

Describing this act as censorship similar to that of the dictatorship, opposition supporters gathered in Skanderbeg Square and marched along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard to gather in front of the prime minister's office.

The young people present held slogans demanding respect for freedom of speech and saying no to censorship.

The protest was peaceful, while the state police had activated more than 1000 officers on the ground for its smooth conduct.

The podium was mainly occupied by young people, including candidates on the Alliance for a Greater Albania list, while the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, chose to stand in the middle of the crowd.

At the end of the protest, which lasted a little over 60 minutes, the democratic leader described this rally as the largest since 1990, when the students returned from the meeting with Ramiz Alia.

"Rama is a fierce enemy of freedom, of Albanian youth. Rama was branded as the son of his father, who 37 years ago ordered the hanging of the poet Havzi Nela. Edi Rama received the greatest punishment. All the young people told him. The young people had the floor. I have never heard more beautiful speeches, with passion. It was their day. The closure of Voice of America is a global geopolitical issue.

They want to limit the colossal expenses with this radio and avoid excessive propaganda, it has nothing to do with censorship, it is a public entity. From today's protest, Albanians heard the brilliant call for free speech. This was the protest of the youth. I was a participant. This rally is compared to the one on December 11, 1990 when they returned from the presidential palace to Student City. In 35 years, these were impressive speeches", said Berisha.

The government committed to closing the social network, against which many other countries in the world have also imposed measures, after the murder of young Martin Cani by a peer, while a consultation was also held with parents and teachers on this issue.

A few days ago, Prime Minister Rama announced that the closure will last 1 year until the company installs security filters, while the platform is currently still functional.

While Sali Berisha assesses that Prime Minister Rama wants to close the social network for electoral reasons as many young people are mocking the head of government./A2 CNN