Protesters, demonstrating against corruption, torch city hall in Albanian capital Tirana

As part of their demonstration against Tirana Mayor Erjon Veliaj and his team, who are on trial for corruption, raged Albanian protesters set fire to the city hall

Tirana’s city hall was set on fire on Friday by hundreds of activists in opposition to Tirana Mayor Erjon Veliaj and his team, who are on trial for corruption in Albania.

Hundreds of people gathered to the streets of Tirana, the capital of Albania, to protest Mayor Erjon Veliaj’s and his staff’s corruption. A group of activists, mostly members of non-governmental organizations and backed by opposition parties, gathered in front of the city hall to continue their three-week protest.

A fire ensued as a result of the hurled Molotov cocktails and flares amid the struggle between the police and protesters attempting to occupy city hall. The police attempted to control the fire.

The opposition demands the mayor’s resignation

During his speech at the demonstration, Democratic Party political coordinator Belind Kellici stated, “Where else on earth have you witnessed an institution where people in positions of authority conduct business?” City Council member Tedi Blushi stated, “The public must take the initiative to apprehend corrupt officials; we must be at the forefront of encouraging the public to do so.”

Source: IHA