Small groups of Albanian opposition supporters block roads in protest
The opposition resumed civil disobedience protests, following their October 7 rally in Tirana, by blocking six major highways across the country. Demonstrators gathered at key locations, including the Kamza overpass and the roundabouts in Shkozet, Bradashesh, Rrogozhina, Levan, and Milot, obstructing traffic from 17:00 to 20:00. However, the turnout appeared smaller than in the previous protest earlier this month, averaging a few hundred protestors at most.
Why is this important: Despite some isolated acts like tire burning, setting decorative trees on fire and shouting, the protests were largely peaceful during the first two hours. The opposition expressed dissatisfaction with the arrests of its leaders, Sali Berisha and Ilir Meta, and demanded the formation of a technical government to ensure fair elections.
Protester actions and police response
- Highway blockades: The opposition’s roadblocks caused major disruptions on key highways, creating traffic congestion throughout the affected areas. The opposition has indicated that similar protests may continue for several days if their demands are not met.
- Protest demands: Their position is that only a technical government and the release of opposition leaders will ensure a fair election process.
Police warnings: Police forces and fire fighters were present at all locations at times in larger numbers than the protestors. However, they did not intervene and protestors and police kept at a distance from each other. The police did warn protestors that road blockings constitute a crime that can receive serious punishment.
- Clearing the roads: Police in Durres and Elbasan issued multiple warnings via megaphones, urging protesters to reopen roads. They cited Article 283 of the Penal Code, which classifies blocking public roads as a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison.
- Tensions with protesters: The police reported that demonstrators refused to disperse, asserting they had complied with notification requirements for the protest. Protestors also blocked firefighters from extinguishing the fires they set to decorative trees and vegetation.
Police warned that further legal action would follow if traffic was not restored, with roads remaining blocked despite the warnings. The opposition has indicated that these blockades could extend for days to pressure the government into meeting their demands for leadership reforms.
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