Ruptly
"A protest by the Democratic Party of Albania, an opposition party, against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama outside his office escalated into violent clashes with the police on Friday night in Tirana. Footage shows protestors hurling Molotov cocktails and fireworks at the governmental building, with fire breaking out. To disperse the crowd, police officers used tear gas and water cannons. Before the tensions escalated, rally participants could be seen marching with European Union and US flags, led by the former Prime Minister and chairperson of the Democratic Party of Albania, Sali Berisha. "If you want Albania to continue its path toward the European Union as a country of free citizens equal before the law and governed by the rule of law, join us in our peaceful uprising. With Edi Rama using the law to protect his theft and corruption, there is no integration, and there will be none," Berisha addressed supporters. At least five people reportedly sustained injuries, including a police officer suffering a head injury. Police arrested four people after a bag containing a Molotov cocktail was found on them. About 1,500 police officers were deployed to the capital of Albania to ensure safety during the demonstration. Following the protest, Albania's Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari, praised the state police response to the situation. “Albania will not be held hostage by a minority that does not hesitate to use minors to burn and hide its failure,” he wrote in his post on Facebook. Political tensions in Albania have increased since December, when the special prosecution unit accused Deputy Prime Minister Balluku of interfering in public tenders for major infrastructure projects and favouring certain companies. While Balluku denies the charges, she was removed from her positions as deputy prime minister and Minister of infrastructure and energy by Prime Minister Rama on February 26. "
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