TIRANA, July 2 /ATA/ – State Police said on Thursday that 18 people had been detained and nine police officers injured following violent clashes during a protest outside parliament.
The demonstration escalated into repeated confrontations between protesters and police, with demonstrators blocking parliament’s entrances and preventing lawmakers and cabinet ministers from leaving the building after the plenary session.
Police said protesters threw eggs, plastic bottles and stones at officers and the vehicles of senior officials, while some attempted to breach the security perimeter around parliament. The vehicle carrying the speaker of parliament was also struck with flour and eggs.
As police moved to disperse the crowd, protesters tore down metal barriers and clashed with officers, throwing stones and other objects, police said. Officers used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Further incidents were reported after groups of protesters moved to other parts of Tirana, including damage to a police vehicle. Police said additional detentions were made.
State Police said officers remained deployed to maintain public order and that the situation continued to be monitored.
/gj.m/j.p/u.sh/
