Tirana police officer suspended after protest clashes

Protesters in Tirana blocked traffic near Zogu i Zi and Skënderbej Square to demonstrate against the country's political class. The demonstration, which moved from the city center toward the Durrës road, resulted in clashes between activists and law enforcement.

Activist Bora Mitrovica accused the police of using violence and forcibly detaining protesters. Following the circulation of video footage showing a police officer striking a detained young man in the abdomen, the Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, suspended the officer involved. The officer, identified as Inspector J. H. from the “Shqiponja” Special Force, is now under disciplinary investigation for the illegal and unreasonable use of force and actions that damage the reputation of the police institution.