Albania: Political activists to demonstrate in central Tirana Oct. 7 /update 1

Political activists plan to protest in Tirana and potentially across Albania Oct. 7. The principal event will start at 18:00 at the Albanian Parliament building in Tirana. Opposition groups will denounce a prison sentence given to the Democratic Party deputy, Ervin Salianji. Officials warn of likely civil disobedience after opposition politicians staged disruptive protests in recent days. Several hundred to a few thousand participants may gather for larger events.

Authorities will likely deploy additional security personnel to the protest sites to monitor demonstrations. Rallies are likely at town halls and government buildings nationwide. Transport disruptions will likely affect the vicinity of any event, especially if police close local roads. Clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officers are possible.