Supporters of Albania’s opposition Democratic Party clashed with police during a protest in the capital Tirana on Sunday, throwing petrol bombs and fireworks at government buildings and injuring several police officers, authorities said.
The demonstration, led by Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, lasted more than three hours and escalated into violence shortly after protesters gathered near the prime minister’s office.
Protesters hurled Molotov cocktails at the prime minister’s office, the interior and infrastructure ministries, and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters, setting a police vehicle on fire, according to media reports and officials. Police responded with water cannon and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Six police officers were injured during the clashes and taken to hospital, the interior ministry said. Authorities added that several protesters were also hurt.
Berisha was affected by tear gas and a spray to the eyes during the protest, experiencing breathing difficulties, but later returned to the scene wearing a gas mask. He later visited injured supporters in hospital.
Police said at least nine people were arrested following the unrest, while investigations into the violence are ongoing.
In remarks after the protest, Berisha condemned what he described as violence against demonstrators and warned that further protests would follow.
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, who visited injured officers in hospital, condemned the attacks, calling them unacceptable and accusing protesters of undermining public safety.
The protest is part of a series of opposition demonstrations against the government, amid heightened political tensions in the Balkan country.