Oct 7, 2024 – Protesters threw Molotov cocktails at government buildings in Tirana on Monday during a demonstration organized by Albania’s opposition. The protest, which followed the imprisonment of former Democratic Party MP Ervin Salianji, saw tensions escalate as Molotovs were launched at the Prime Minister’s Office, the headquarters of the ruling Socialist Party, the Ministry of Interior, and Tirana City Hall.
Police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Authorities reported minor injuries to one protester and a police officer. Around 1,200 police officers were deployed for the protest, which had been expected to draw large crowds, but the number of participants dwindled as tensions eased.
The protest began outside the Democratic Party headquarters before moving to various key government institutions. Demonstrators also briefly set fire to a banner featuring Prime Minister Edi Rama outside the Socialist Party’s headquarters.
Organizers had announced a four-hour rally in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, but the event was cut short.
The protest follows the opposition’s call for “civil disobedience” in response to what they describe as the government’s heavy-handed approach and alleged links to organized crime. The Democratic Party has faced criticism for not focusing its efforts on parliamentary debate.
