Albanian opposition disrupts parliament session

(13 Feb 2023) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Tirana, Albania - 13 February 2023 1. Various of opposition protesters clashing with police, smoke bombs and fireworks being thrown by protesters 2. Sali Berisha, former President and Prime Minister of Albania, walking out of parliament hall to join protesters 3. SOUNDBITE (Albanian) Sali Berisha, Democratic Party leader: “This Parliament either will resolve these issues or won’t deal with any other case.” 4. Various of police officers lined up to keep opposition protesters away, posters reading (Albanian/English) “We own democracy,” “Edi (Rama, FBI is watching,” “Charles’ angels, Rama, Ducka, Neza.” STORYLINE: Albanian opposition lawmakers blowing whistles disrupted a Parliament session on Monday to press home their demand for the government’s resignation for alleged corruption, as hundreds of their supporters outside tried to push into the building. Police kept out the demonstrators, who threw smoke bombs and fireworks before dispersing. No arrests or injuries were reported. The tension followed a similar protest on Saturday in which thousands of opposition supporters took part. The protests are being organized by the center-right Democratic Party of former president and prime minister Sali Berisha, and the left-wing Freedom Party of former president Ilir Meta. Inside the hall Berisha and other lawmakers occupied the podium, and blew whistles to drown out anyone else trying to speak. The speaker ended the session without discussing any of the issues on the agenda. “The people will speak,” said Berisha after leaving the parliament hall, and pledged to continue the protests later this week. The opposition accuses the Socialist Party of Prime Minister Edi Rama of corruption and links to organized crime, and holds him responsible for the exodus of young Albanians who have left to pursue jobs in Western European countries. AP Video by Efrion Xhabafti =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel 44(0)2074827482 Email: info@. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: