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 perimeter of Martyrs of the Nation 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.
The youth-led protests throughout Thursday were marked by acts of violence and vandalism targeting private businesses and state institutions at various locations across Tirana.
Police again intervened, using tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators. Protesters spread through Rinia Park and set fire to several kiosks and advertising signs around Martyrs of the Nation Boulevard.
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