The Albanian police have initiated criminal proceedings against 33 people in the wake of aggressive actions during the anti-government protests that took place in the capital of the country on March 16, local media reported
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 18th March, 2019) The Albanian police have initiated criminal proceedings against 33 people in the wake of aggressive actions during the anti-government protests that took place in the capital of the country on March 16, local media reported.
On Saturday, the Albanian police used tear gas and water cannons against the participants of the rally against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama in the capital city of Tirana after they sought to break through the security cordon around the parliament.
According to Albanian Daily news, the police detained 14 people and put on the wanted list seven more protesters in connection with violent actions against law enforcement officers during the rally. The police notes that the protesters were identified by means of surveillance cameras installed in the trees near the parliament building.
Another 12 people were charged without detention, including the secretary general of the Democratic Party and former justice minister, Gazmend Bardhi.
Democratic Party leader Lulzim Basha responded to these events by accusing the government of exerting pressure on the opposition.
"This government is using the State Police to make pressure against citizens and political opponents. This is a criminal regime. Edi Rama comes to power with the help of the criminal bands as is fighting against his people," Basha said as quoted by the media outlet.
Over months, Albania's largest opposition Democratic Party has been accusing Rama of corruption and economic woes, demanding his resignation and regularly organizing rallies. In February, the party's members gave up their parliamentary seats, calling for early elections.
