Anti-government protesters in Albania clashed with riot police after throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at the parliament building, prompting authorities to attempt crowd control and disperse the demonstration using tear gas.
Foreign media reported that clashes broke out between anti-government protesters and riot police in front of the parliament building in Tirana, Albania's capital, on Tuesday, 10 Feb 2024 GMT+7 local time.
Officials reported at least 16 police officers injured and 13 protesters arrested during the demonstration. The protest was led by opposition leader Sali Berisha, head of the Democratic Party, a key rival to current Prime Minister Edi Rama of the Socialist Party.
Protesters attacked the parliament and government offices by throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks, causing fires in some areas. Riot police responded with water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Berisha, a former prime minister, revealed that members of parliament from his party were also injured and have been hospitalized.
For years, Albania's political atmosphere has been marked by tense protests, with politicians from various sides accusing each other of involvement in criminal activities.
Currently, the government led by Rama faces serious challenges as close ally Belinda Balluku, the deputy prime minister, has been suspended amid allegations of involvement in a major corruption scandal.
Berisha himself is suspected of awarding huge state contracts to close associates but has strongly denied the allegations. He has also scheduled another protest for 20 February.
. France24
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