Violent clashes erupt during antigovernment protests in Albania

Protesters in Albania’s capital, Tirana, clashed with police on Tuesday night outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office. The demonstrators called for his resignation following a major corruption scandal involving Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku.

According to reports, protesters threw Molotov cocktails and flares at the police, who responded by using water cannon and tear gas. Clashes also occurred near Albania’s parliament building. At least 16 people were injured and sent to hospital, while another 13 people were arrested at the scene.

The protest is part of a series of antigovernment demonstrations in Albania that have been ongoing for months. The demonstrators are calling for both Rama and Balluku to step down, as well as for parliament to suspend Balluku’s immunity so she can face prosecution.

More than 1,300 police were deployed at the demonstration, which was called by opposition leader Sali Berisha, who is also a former prime minister. Berisha has been involved in previous protests and has faced corruption charges himself.

Political analyst Mentor Kikia stated that Albania’s leadership and opposition are facing similar challenges. “Citizens are distrustful,” he said. “The current perception is that if Rama leaves, Berisha will return.”

Source: Al Jazeera