Violent protests in Tirana: Ministry of Agriculture entrance torched, several injured

Violent demonstrations in central Tirana escalated into clashes with police after protesters set fire to the entrance of the Ministry of Agriculture and a nearby kiosk, and smashed shop windows across the city.

Clashes, fires and injuries in multiple central locations

The unrest began when members and supporters of the opposition Democratic Party gathered at their party headquarters and marched toward the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Later in the afternoon, around 14:00, a separate youth-led protest on Drach Street intensified as demonstrators threw stones at the Ministry of Education and police lines.

Masked participants threw Molotov cocktails and fireworks at police and government buildings. At least one fire was started at the main entrance of the Ministry of Agriculture; authorities say the blaze was quickly brought under control. Protesters also burned trash bins and damaged the windows of several businesses, including a bank in the Vasil Shanto area, and a kiosk near the city centre was set alight.

Police deployed about 2,000 officers and used water cannon, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Security forces reported facing thrown explosives and heavy projectiles from sections of the crowd.

There were a number of injuries. One demonstrator and one police officer suffered burns. Hospital treatment was required for one member of parliament, four demonstrators, one police officer and two media workers. Two civilians sustained wounds from rubber bullets.

Teachers, doctors, trade unions, representatives of small businesses and an independent union for arts, culture and media joined parts of the protest, which spread from Drach Street to Skanderbeg Square and the boulevard near the prime minister’s office.

Photo: Printskrin