Opposition rally/Police: 18 protesters arrested, one MP also prosecuted

2026-02-21 10:43:00, Aktualitet CNA

Tirana Police have announced through an official response that 18 people have been arrested, while 28 others have been criminally prosecuted in connection with the protest organized by the opposition yesterday evening. Among those arrested are three minors.

It was also reported that 25 unexploded Molotov cocktails, 27 cell phones and other illegal items were seized.

MP Klevis Balliu is also being prosecuted for the criminal offense of "Organizing and participating in illegal gatherings and demonstrations."

Police announcement:

Tirana

They threw pyrotechnics, Molotov cocktails, and hard objects and opposed police officers during the rally held yesterday. 46 citizens were identified. 18 of them were arrested, and the other 28 are being prosecuted.

25 unexploded Molotov cocktails, 27 cell phones and other illegal items were seized.

Tirana Police structures, at the conclusion of the first investigative actions carried out in relation to the illegal actions carried out by a group of protesters during the rally held yesterday evening by the political entity Democratic Party, who opposed State Police employees who had taken measures to protect state institutions, to guarantee public order and security and to ensure the free movement of citizens around the territory where the rally was taking place, and who threw fuel (Molotov cocktails) and hard objects at police employees and institutions, arrested the following citizens in flagrante delicto:

AK, 19 years old, DG, 32 years old, AI, 42 years old, VI, 22 years old, E. Xh., 18 years old, KN, 23 years old, RI, 20 years old, EC, 46 years old, RP, 26 years old, MK, 31 years old, AD, 31 years old, KK, 45 years old, FD, 23 years old BB, 23 years old, AD, 53 years old and 3 minor citizens;

And 27 other citizens were prosecuted.

Also, the materials were referred to the Prosecutor's Office where proceedings were initiated against citizen K. B, MP, for the criminal offense of "Organizing and participating in illegal gatherings and demonstrations".

The investigative group continues to work to identify other citizens who may have committed illegal actions during the rally held yesterday.

The procedural materials were referred to the Tirana Prosecutor's Office for further action. /CNA