Albania: Opposition demonstrations expected in Tirana May 13 /update 13

Event

Albanian opposition supporters, led by the Democratic Party (PD), are planning to hold a demonstration in the capital Tirana on Monday, May 13, from 18:30 (local time). DP President Lulzim Basha called on participants to rally along Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit on Monday to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Basha also called on supporters to carry-out indefinite protests following the arrests of the party's secretary general and roughly 80 others during violent demonstrations on Saturday, May 11.

A heightened security presence and road closures are likely in central Tirana, particularly along Bulevardi Dëshmorët e Kombit and other government buildings. Similar protests are possible in the capital over the coming days and weeks. Clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out. 

Context

Opposition supporters have been holding regular demonstrations in Tirana in recent months, which have sometimes turned violent. On May 11, protesters clashed with police, and many prominent Democratic Party (DP) members were arrested. Further instances of unrest were previously recorded on April 13 as police officers fired tear gas to disperse protesters who attempted to storm the parliament building. The opposition leaders are demanding fresh elections and call for the departure of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Prime Minister Rama and his party have been accused of manipulating the results of the 2017 parliamentary elections, corruption, and having links to organized crime.

Advice

Individuals in Albania, particularly in Tirana, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.