Protest at police station

Protest at police station

Residents affected by the construction of the New Ring Road have protested in front of police Station Nr. 6 in Tirana, demanding the release of the citizens arrested at the today from the area of Astir.

They were supported by former DP MPs who accused the police of following Edi Rama's orders by holding innocent people in remand.

DP Secretary General, Gazmend Bardhi, declared a revolt was needed against police station No. 6, saying that, from this moment on, the opposition does not recognize the institution of the Tirana Police Directorate.

“This is criminal behaviour from Tirana's Police Director, who follows Rama's political orders and intimidates citizens in violation of the law. They are fabricating lies and holding five innocent citizens, including former MP Klevis Balliu.

“I call on the Interior Minister not to provoke the Albanian people. From this moment, we do not acknowledge the authority of the institution of the Tirana Police Directorate. It is a criminal institution which has declared war on the citizens.

“It will receive the deserved response,” said Gazmend Bardhi.

Meanwhile, Former DP MP Edi Paloka stated that citizens are no longer afraid of violence, in fact, it's the contrary.

“The situation is becoming more and more aggravated every day. The Prime Minister has lost any kind of human sensitivity.

“The more the violence and pressure increases, the stronger the reaction will be to the citizens. Rama is close to his end,” said Edi Paloka.

The long running protest action first began as a response to the Rama government's plan to construct a new bypass in the area which affected the properties of some citizens.

Residents of the area took to protesting to display their opposition to the project.

The citizens of Astir affected by the New Ring Road project today created a blockade to prevent the passage of the Prime Minister through this area.

Rama was on the way to the grand opening of a business and had planned to use this road to travel there.

However, once the affected residents became aware of this information they took to the road to block the way of the Prime Minister as a demonstration in protest of his plan to demolish their homes and businesses.

The situation degenerated quickly as they tried to prevent the movement of Rama, thus clashing with police officers.

This protest at the 'Astir' area today escalated into violence from both sides, with police using pepper spray and protesters throwing stones and other hard objects.

Among those escorted to the police station were the former MP of the Democratic Party, Klevis Balliu, and four other residents of the area. As a result of the clashes, two of residents were also transported to the hospital with health concerns.

Police forced some of the protesters who were attempting to block the road of Prime Minister Rama to leave the area.

Astir residents have been protesting for more than six months, opposing the project of the New Ring, which foresees the demolition of their dwellings.

They have refused to move to the social housing provided by the Tirana municipality, declaring that they will protect their homes with blood.



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