TIRANA, Feb 10 /ATA/- State Police said on Tuesday that 16 police officers were injured during an opposition protest held in central Tirana.
In a statement, police said violence erupted during the demonstration outside the prime minister’s office and later near parliament building, where some protesters attacked police officers and state institutions.
Despite repeated calls via loudspeakers urging protesters to refrain from violence, police said attacks continued throughout the rally, involving Molotov cocktails, pyrotechnic devices and hard objects.
Sixteen officers suffered burns and other physical injuries and were taken to hospital for medical treatment, police said.
The State Police said they remained engaged throughout the protest to ensure public order and safety, while safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Authorities said law enforcement structures are documenting all acts of violence with the aim of identifying those responsible and bringing them before justice in line with the law.
Police thanked citizens who distanced themselves from violent acts, as well as journalists and media workers for providing transparency to the public.
/a.f/r.e/u.sh/
