They protested outside Parliament against the government / Police arrest 19 people, prosecute 12 others

One day after the protest outside Parliament, Tirana Police announced the arrest of 19 people and the criminal prosecution of 12 others. The protest the previous day was marked by tensions between protesters and police, with the latter using tear gas, spray and water.

According to the official statement, those arrested are accused of resisting police officers and striking them with hard objects, damaging a police vehicle, and attacking MPs during the gathering.

Among those arrested is the citizen identified by the initials A. Ll., 35, who, according to police, assaulted a journalist during the protest.

Meanwhile, 12 other people are being criminally prosecuted while remaining free, for various unlawful acts committed during the gathering.

Police said work is continuing to identify six other people, who have been documented on video carrying out acts of violence.

“Following procedural actions carried out by the structures of the Tirana Local Police Directorate in connection with the gathering held yesterday near Parliament, the following citizens were caught in the act and arrested:

B. K., 35; A. E., 24; G. P., 36; D. B., 32; K. P., 46; R. D., 30; A. Y., 40; N. Q., 43; Y. Sh., 52; E. Gj., 39; F. B., 56; R. P., 35; A. T., 34; A. N., 35; E. B., 45; A. H., 35; E. G., 23; E. B., 20.

As well as citizen A. Ll., 35, after he assaulted a journalist.

Also, the following citizens were criminally prosecuted while remaining free: F. D., 63; Sh. B., 33; V. D., 29; E. Gj., 38; T. T., 43; E. A., 31; G. S., 20; R. D., 30; A. M., 39; M. J., 47; A. G., 47; and A. K., 22.

The investigative group is continuing its work to identify other citizens who may have committed unlawful acts during yesterday’s gathering,” the statement said.

The case materials have been referred to the Tirana Prosecutor’s Office for the criminal offenses of “Destruction of property,” “Opposition to a police officer,” “Assault because of duty,” “Disturbing public order and peace,” “Organizing and participating in illegal gatherings and demonstrations,” “Disobedience to the lawful order of a police officer,” and “Obstructing the circulation of transport vehicles.”