Tension and clashes marked today's protest by the main opposition Democratic Party of Albania (PD) in front of the Council of Ministers building in Tirana, Euronews Albania reports.
The protest took place tonight demanding the resignation of the government of Prime Minister and leader of the Socialist Party of Albania (SP/PS) Edi Rama, the formation of a caretaker government and the organization of free elections following opposition allegations of vote manipulation in Albania's parliamentary vote last year.
As a result of attacks with Molotov cocktails and hard objects, 11 police officers were injured tonight and are currently receiving medical attention, the media outlet reports. Material damage was also caused around the Council of Ministers building in the center of the Albanian capital.
The police, quoted by Euronews Albania, informed that the individuals involved in the attacks have been identified and work is underway to escort them to police stations. Investigative authorities have begun collecting information about the attacks on law enforcement officers.
According to media reports, 20 protesters have been arrested so far.
After being dispersed with water cannons and tear gas, the protesters headed to the Albanian parliament building, which is located a little further down the central boulevard in Tirana “Dushmor is Kombit“. To deal with the tense situation in front of the parliament, electricity was cut off in some surrounding streets and protesters were again dispersed with water cannons.
The situation was brought under control after the intervention of the security forces, Euronews Albania notes. Authorities warn that any act of violence will be held accountable.
The Democratic Party rejected the information about the injured police officers as false and unfounded allegations, the media outlet also wrote. According to a check of all hospitals in Tirana carried out by the DP, not a single police officer sought medical attention.
The party accused the police of trying to portray the protest as violent and said that dozens of people were injured and arrested during the demonstration.
According to the opposition party, the use of tear gas and water cannons shows the tension in the political situation in the country.