After 10 days of protests, police intervene again with tear gas and water on the boulevard

After 10 days of protests, held at a time when student life remains absent from lecture halls and citizens are calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation, tensions have returned to “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. News24 journalist Klevin Muka reported live from the area opposite the Prime Minister’s Office, providing updates on the latest developments.

According to him, the day’s protest began at 9:00 a.m., in line with the parliamentary calendar. For around six hours, protesters stayed near Parliament, then returned to the Prime Minister’s Office, where they continued their rally for approximately eight hours. Shortly before the live broadcast, the State Police carried out another intervention to disperse the young people who remained gathered, using tear gas and water cannons. Following the operation, water tankers and officers from the Rapid Intervention Forces (FNSH) were seen leaving in the background.

Journalist Muka also reported the continued presence of patrols and the sound of police sirens on several of the capital’s main roads. He mentioned the city-center area, Dibra Street, “Hoxha Tasim” Street, the area near the Pyramid and Elbasan Street. According to him, the government is deliberately using this presence to create insecurity and psychological terror, with the aim of discouraging citizens and students from taking to the square.

As for the new nationwide protest planned for Saturday, uncertainty remains over the time it will take place. So far, two options are being discussed: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The diaspora has once again been asked to help mobilize protesters, with reference to the large rallies held in June, July and mid-August, aimed at opposing the government’s efforts to diminish citizens’ voices.