Albanian police station hit by violent protest; arrests made

A protest outside Tirana's Police Station No. 3 turned violent on 04 July 2026. Demonstrators smashed the station's glass windows and clashed with officers, injuring a police officer. One protester, Erald Heqimaj (33), was taken into custody, while seven others were processed in police custody and four more were placed on wanted lists, their identities withheld as investigations continue.

Telegram messages released after the incident show that the march was coordinated in advance. Participants discussed using the crowd to apply pressure for the release of detained protesters, with messages such as, “Po te 302. Sot mendoj me e përdor turmën si duhet, me ik te 302, i nxjerrim çunat direkt,” and calls to “bloko rrugë, ose hyjmë sot se jemi mijëra.” The chats reveal a split between members urging escalation and others warning against violence. The police investigation has recorded charges including public incitement to violence, property damage, assault on a police officer, and obstruction of police duties.