Opposition supporters and other citizens are protesting in front of the parliament building for the seventh time in six weeks.
Calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and alleging widespread corruption, criminality, and vote rigging they are also opposing three MPs from opposition party lists who are expected to take up their mandates in today’s weekly session.
Police are reported to have surrounded the area and blocked citizens and journalists from accessing streets leading to the parliament building. A number of reporters have been denied access and prevented from reporting live, whilst a group of female protestors were not allowed to enter the area.
Former Democratic Party MP Albana Vokshi condemned the actions of the police.
The Astir area protesters who are also present have allegedly clashed with police. They have been protesting for over 5 months against government’s project for the Tirana Outer Ring Road, which includes the demolition of hundreds of houses without compensation.
Protesters are reported to have thrown flares in the direction of police.
Protests are expected to take place during every parliamentary session and a large national protest is scheduled for April 13th.
