TIRANA, Oct. 15 /ATA/ – Masked protesters continued unrest and acts of violence in the Albanian capital on Thursday, damaging public spaces and private businesses.
After vandalising businesses along Elbasan Street, masked youths set fire to a kiosk on Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard, sending flames and thick plumes of smoke into the air. They also set fire to a pine tree along the boulevard.
Police officers deployed tear gas around the boulevard to disperse the protesters.
Police also formed a barrier in front of the prime minister’s office to prevent demonstrators from approaching and used water to push them back. Some protesters responded by throwing pyrotechnic devices at officers.
Clashes between protesters and police later resumed. Officers again used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. Protesters spread through Rinia Park, setting fire to several kiosks and advertising signs around Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard.
Tensions continued at the intersection of Dëshmorët e 4 Shkurtit Street and Myslym Shyri Street, where protesters set fire to rubbish bins and kiosks.
Masked demonstrators later set fire to the entrance door of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Police again used tear gas and physical force to contain the protesters.
The youth-led demonstrations throughout Thursday were marked by acts of violence and vandalism targeting private businesses and state institutions at various locations across Tirana.
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