Peaceful Evening Protest in Tirana Follows Earlier Clashes That Left Dozens Injured

An evening anti-government protest in Tirana remained largely peaceful on Thursday, contrasting with violent confrontations earlier in the day outside Albania's Parliament that resulted in multiple injuries and arrests.

Although the evening demonstration proceeded without major incidents, organizers sharply criticized the Albanian State Police over the detention of protesters following the earlier clashes.

Protest organizer Alben Kola accused police of provoking demonstrators during the confrontation outside Parliament and urged participants to remain disciplined. He said the movement would continue to seek the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama through what he described as a "peaceful revolution."

Organizers also vowed to maintain their presence on Tirana's main boulevard as part of the ongoing protest campaign.

Following the rally outside the Prime Minister's Office, demonstrators marched to Police Station No. 3, where those arrested during the earlier unrest are being held.

According to authorities, 20 protesters were taken into custody after clashes outside Parliament, with 13 formally arrested and expected to appear before a court. Police said officers were struck with stones during the confrontation and that a police vehicle was damaged.

Officials reported that 15 police officers and five civilians were injured during the unrest, underscoring heightened tensions surrounding the continuing anti-government demonstrations.