Albania Police Injured as Protests Over Shooting Turn Violent

Protest against police violence in Tirana on December 9, 2020. Photo: LSA

Hundreds joined separate protests in Tirana, Shkodra, Durres, Bulqiza and other towns, some demanding the resignation of Sander Lleshaj, the Minister of Interior.

Albania has officially banned street protests due to the COVID-19 pandemic but people across the county on Wednesday defied the orders.

They were protesting after a police officer opened fire and killed 25-year-old Klodjan Rasha, who had apparently refused to stop after being spotted outside his home during the COVID-19 related curfew. The police officer has since been arrested and is expected to be charged with murder.

Minister Lleshaj, a former army general, said on Facebook that he felt the pain of the family of the victim but ignored calls for his resignation. Prime Minister Edi Rama has not yet commented on this case.

Over the last two years, on several occasions, police have been accused of being used by the government as a political tool, not as an independent law enforcement agency.

On Wednesday, the police offered condolences to the family of the victim and stressed that the event is being investigated by independent authorities.

Protest against police violence in Tirana on December 9, 2020. Photo: LSA Protest against police violence in Tirana on December 9, 2020. Photo: LSA Protest against police violence in Tirana on December 9, 2020. Photo: LSA