Albanian police have launched criminal proceedings against eight minors, aged between 13 and 15, in connection with the assault of a 20-year-old Italian citizen during an altercation near Tirana's Palace of Culture on July 29.

According to Tirana Police, investigators from Police Station No. 1 swiftly identified, escorted and questioned the eight juveniles, who are suspected of taking part in the incident. The minors are being investigated while remaining at liberty, in accordance with legal procedures.

Authorities said the 20-year-old Italian suffered minor injuries during the confrontation and did not sustain life-threatening wounds.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing as officers work to identify additional individuals who may have been involved in the incident and to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the case.

The procedural file has been forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office at the Court of First Instance of General Jurisdiction in Tirana for further legal action.