Tensions escalated during a national protest organized by Albania’s Democratic Party in Tirana, with clashes, injuries, and several detentions reported.
The protest began around 19:00, with demonstrators gathering in front of the government building. Sali Berisha, leader of the Democratic Party, initially arrived at party headquarters before marching on foot with supporters and party structures toward the Prime Minister’s office.
Confrontations intensified near the Parliament building, where police formed a human cordon to block access. Democratic Party lawmakers and protesters attempted to breach the cordon but were unsuccessful.
Further clashes were reported at the intersection along Elbasan Road, where tensions rose between opposition figures and police forces. Protesters demanded that the road be cleared to allow them to proceed toward Parliament, but authorities refused.
Police reportedly used water to disperse crowds in an effort to calm the situation, though tensions persisted.
According to reports, one police officer sustained a head injury and was transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities also confirmed that four individuals were detained after allegedly being found in possession of Molotov cocktails.
At least four people were reported injured, including Aulon Kalaja and Luçiano Boçi. Images published by the Democratic Party showed Kalaja unconscious during the protest.
Berisha accused police of using violence against Kalaja, who is also a journalist and member of the party’s National Council, claiming the action was carried out on the orders of Prime Minister Edi Rama. He described the incident as a “criminal act of retaliation.”
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed response regarding the allegations, as the situation continues to develop.
