Oct 17, 2024 – Protests by opposition MPs in Albania escalated during a parliamentary session today, as they clashed with security forces in response to the prison sentence of a former lawmaker.
Opposition members, who have been leading a campaign of civil disobedience, attempted to breach the parliament building, despite a metal fence being placed around the premises by the Republican Guard. The incident resulted in scuffles between MPs and security staff as tensions mounted.
The unrest stems from a recent Appeals Court decision, which sentenced a former opposition MP to prison. Opposition MPs have condemned the ruling as politically motivated, adding fuel to an already tense atmosphere.
The speaker of parliament condemned the disruption, warning that the violence posed a risk to the safety of fellow lawmakers. Albanian authorities have said that they are collecting evidence of further misconduct, which could lead to criminal charges.
