Albanian police confront protesters outside parliament

On a Monday, hundreds of Albanian State Police officers cordoned the area around the parliament in Tirana, creating multiple roadblocks that prevented access for protesters and commuters. The police deployed water‑cannons, rapid‑intervention vehicles and pepper‑spray, injuring several demonstrators and photo‑journalist Malton Dibra. A protester was taken to hospital after being hit by pepper‑spray.

Activist Arben Kola, speaking to the media, accused the police of using excessive force and alleged that individuals linked to criminal gangs were instructed to attack fellow activist Gent Progni, claiming an attempt was made to stab him. Kola said the police treated protesters harshly while showing leniency toward officials under investigation. He called for the protests to remain peaceful and warned against further escalation.

The demonstration, which began with chants such as “you do not represent us” and “criminal deputies,” saw protesters split into groups near the Ministry of Interior and the Namazgja Mosque before merging and being repeatedly forced back by police along the Dëshmorët e Kombit and Zhan d’Ark boulevards.