Reported use of expired tear gas at Democratic Party protests (February 2026)
Status: Claim reported; investigation outcome not found
Summary
On 20 February 2026 Balkanweb reported that the Interior Minister, Albana Kociu, said she had ordered the State Police and the Police Oversight Agency to investigate reports that expired tear gas was used against Democratic Party protesters. The minister said she could not yet say whether the gas was harmful. Searches in Albanian and English found no lot number, expiry date, procurement record, expert test, or outcome of the investigation.
This is a single-source report as found. Other 2026 reports describe tear gas and water cannon at several protests, and Interior Minister Lamallari later told parliament the spray was certified. None of these establish the expiry status of the gas used.
Expired-tear-gas reports from Sri Lanka and the United States came up in searches. They concern other countries and are not used as Albanian evidence.
Key facts
- Source: Balkanweb, 20 Feb 2026 (single source found).
- Named official in that article: Albana Kociu, as Interior Minister.
- No lot or expiry data found in the sources searched.
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- The minister publicly said she had ordered an investigation (per the Balkanweb article).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationThat the gas used was expired.
Allegations and who made them (1)
Each line is an allegation as recorded, with the person or body that made it where the record names them.
- AllegationExpired tear gas was used against Democratic Party protesters (raised in the article; not established).
Open questions (3)
- Was an investigation report published by the State Police or the Police Oversight Agency?
- Which lots or canisters were used, and what were their expiry dates?
- Who procured the stock and when?
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Minister Kociu: ordered an investigation; could not yet say whether the gas was harmful (Balkanweb, 20 Feb 2026).
Timeline
Full timeline →Police
Interior Minister Kociu says she ordered investigation into reported expired tear gas (PD protest)
Balkanweb reports the minister ordered the State Police and the Police Oversight Agency to investigate reports of expired tear gas used at a Democratic Party protest. No outcome found.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 1 source.
Source label: UnverifiedUnverified · 1 source
- Publisher
- Balkanweb
- Date
- 20 Feb 2026