LGBTI PRIDE IN TIRANA WILL TAKE PLACE DESPITE THE PROTEST OF THE OPPOSITION

Aleanca LGBT and Pro LGBT announced that the Tirana Gay (P)Ride, scheduled for May 13th will take place according to the previous plan, despite the fact that on the same day the opposition has announced a protest at the Boulevard  of Martyrs.

In a joint Press Release the organizers state:

“We inform you that today (Monday, May 8th 2017), the organizers of the Parade, Xheni Karaj and Kristi Pinderi had a meeting with the leading structures of the Democratic Party to co-ordinate the events.

This meeting took place in a cooperative spirit. During the meeting, the LGBTI activists received the guarantee from the Chairman of the Democratic Party, Lulzim Basha, that there will be no incidents or threats to the safe conduct of this activity by the opposition supporters. It was agreed that the most suitable time for the Parade to take place, would be 10:00 am on Saturday, May 13th.

The Ride will depart at the Palace of Congresses, the participants will ride along the Boulevard and turn to the left at Ismail Qemali Street, will enter the former block area (Ibrahim Rugova Street) and as it was foreseen and will continue along the Lana river, will turn at the bridge of Vasil Shanto school and will continue again along Lana River.

It is important to understand that public space belongs to everyone, and nobody can stop the basic human right of assembly and our right of expression and free speech.

Several LGBTI activists from all over the region will participate in the Pride together with supporters and members of the LGBTI community from Albania and representatives of the international community in Albania.