In a public statement, police urged demonstrators to immediately distance themselves from violence and stop attacks on officers and state institutions, as well as the deliberate destruction of public and private property by fire.

“The endangerment of the lives of police officers and citizens must stop immediately,” the statement said.

Police also called on protesters to distance themselves from violent and masked individuals, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by law but does not justify violence or the destruction of property.

According to the State Police, officers are continuing to identify and take into custody people suspected of committing acts of violence, as well as those who wore masks during the demonstration.

“Those responsible for these acts will be identified and held accountable under the law,” the statement said.

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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.

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