Albanian protesters clash with police

Three people were shot dead during an anti-government protest in Tirana yesterday while dozens were injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, a hospital official said.

“Three people are dead, 17 policemen and soldiers were injured, including three seriously, along with 22 civilians,” Sami Koceku, head of the military hospital emergency services said by phone.

The victims were already dead when they were brought to the hospital, he said.

Several thousand demonstrators gathered in the centre of the capital after a call from the socialist opposition to protest against the government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha.

Demonstrators started throwing stones and other projectiles at the security forces who responded by firing tear gas into the crowd in front of the government buildings.

At least one police car was set on fire by protesters.

In the crowd people held up signs saying “Berisha get out” and “Down with the government”. New protesters were still coming into the centre of Tirana as the atmosphere grew tense.

The socialist opposition, led by Tirana mayor Edi Rama, called the demonstration to put pressure on the government to step down, accusing it of corruption and electoral fraud.

The demonstration follows the resignation last week of deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, who is at the centre of a corruption affair.

Ahead of the clashes the US embassy slammed some politicians’ apparent support for violent protest as “unacceptable”.

“In recent days the rhetoric and the language of selected political leaders have assumed a tone that suggests an endorsement of disruptive and harmful acts and inappropriate conduct,” it said in a statement.

“The use of provocative rhetoric and the suggestion or tolerance of any form of violence is a deep disservice to the people of Albania.”

Albania has been in prolonged political deadlock since the elections last year as the opposition has refused to recognise the results of the vote, blocking legislation and reforms in parliament.

The opposition also blamed the government of failing to convince the European Union to agree on the country’s candidate status.