The albanian capital was at the center of widespread incidents yesterday, as the nationwide opposition mobilization evolved into a long-running clash with police forces, leaving behind injuries, arrests and images of tension around key state buildings.
From the first hours of the demonstration, groups of protesters moved aggressively towards the government palace and the Parliament building, using improvised Molotov cocktails, stones and powerful fireworks. The flames that erupted on the steps and walls of the buildings posed serious risks to the police officers who had lined up to protect the institutions.
Tensions quickly escalated and the police responded with extensive use of tear gas and high-pressure water cannons from special vehicles, in an attempt to disperse the gathered crowd. The incidents continued for about four hours, with successive flashpoints of conflict and successive flare-ups.
At a later stage, some of the protesters headed towards the Parliament building, following the instigation of the opposition leadership, without however the opposition leader himself being at the head of this second hotbed of tension. There, new clashes occurred, with opposition MPs at the forefront of the protesters, trying to hold back the advance of the police vehicles.
The arrival of the police water truck led to a new escalation, as security forces launched an extensive pushback operation, chasing the protesters to the main avenue near the offices of the main opposition. In the meantime, arrests were made at different points, while images of a minor being led into a police vehicle caused a particular sensation.
Late at night, the opposition leader, speaking from the party offices, declared that the mobilization achieved its goal, despite the incidents and the strong reaction of the authorities.
After the fighting ended, the areas around government buildings were cordoned off and treated as forensic sites. Special teams collected remains of the objects used, while damage to facades and courtyards bore the imprint of one of the most turbulent demonstrations in recent years.
