Anti-Government Protests in Albania Turn Violent, Clashes Reported Near Parliament

Tirana. Anti-government protests in Albania have turned violent. The anti-government demonstration held outside the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama in the capital, Tirana, became violent on Tuesday night. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters threw Molotov cocktails and lights at the police.

According to local media, clashes also occurred near the parliament building. At least 16 people were injured and taken to the hospital in the incident. There are conflicting reports on whether the injured include police, protesters, or both sides. Police reported that at least 13 people were arrested from the scene.

This protest is the latest in a series of anti-government movements occurring in recent months. Political dissatisfaction has escalated since November after prosecutors accused Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, of interfering in government construction contracts. 

She was suspended for some time but returned to office at the request of Prime Minister Rama. Protesters are demanding the resignation of both Rama and Balluku, and they demand that Parliament revoke Balluku's legal immunity.

More than 1,300 police officers were deployed for the protest on Tuesday. This movement was called for by the leader of the opposition Democratic Party and former Prime Minister Sali Berisha. He claimed that a peaceful popular uprising has begun in the country. Berisha himself has faced corruption allegations in the past.