Opposition protesters in Tirana hurled petrol bombs and rocks at Albania’s government building on Tuesday night, alleging that state officials are involved in organized crime and corruption following the house arrest of their leader. No injuries, significant damage, or arrests were reported as thousands gathered in front of the government headquarters in the capital while riot police officers cordoned off the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The main opposition Democratic Party accuses Rama of nepotism and corruption, driving many young people to emigrate in search of a better life in western Europe.
The rally was held on Feb. 20 in remembrance of the day in 1991 when pro-democracy demonstrators toppled the statue of Albania’s longtime communist dictator Enver Hoxha.
Syle Xhebexhia, a protester who travelled over 100 km to attend the rally, said, “Today we are here to bring down Rama’s regime, which is worse than Enver Hoxha’s regime.”
Opposition leader Sali Berisha addressed the protesters via a video link from house arrest, as he is being investigated for alleged corruption during his time as prime minister between 2005-2013. Berisha has denied any wrongdoing and accused Rama of a political vendetta to silence opponents, which Rama also denies.
Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to file formal charges against Berisha or drop them.
“Edi Rama, similar to the other dictator (Hoxha), has concentrated all powers in his hands and wants an Albania without opposition,” Berisha told the protesting crowd.
Berisha has been regularly addressing supporters from the balcony of his apartment in downtown Tirana.
(Reporting by Fatos Bytyci and Florion Goga; editing by Mark Heinrich)
