Albania: 18 people have been arrested following the protests in Tirana

The protests in the center of Tirana, organized by the Democratic Party (PD) led by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, escalated into violence on Friday, resulting in the arrest of at least 18 people. The Albanian police have opened criminal investigations against another 28 protesters after they threw fireworks and blunt objects, resisting law enforcement agents.

During the clashes, the police confiscated 25 unexploded Molotov cocktails and responded with tear gas and water cannons. The protesters accused the socialist government of Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and interference in justice, while government officials condemned the violent actions, characterizing them as vandalism. The Minister of Interior, Albana Kociu, emphasized that attacks on the police do not represent courage, but rather crimes.