Albania: Opposition protests in Tirana May 16

Event

The main opposition Democratic Party (PD) organized a protest in Tirana on Wednesday, May 16. Hundreds of people reportedly participated in the rally outside of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, calling for Minister of Internal Affairs Fatmir Xhafaj’s resignation over corruption allegations. Leaders of the PD vowed on May 16 to continue to protest until Xhafaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama resign. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are expected around all protests.

Context

Opposition supporters have accused the ruling party of attempting to influence ongoing investigations into corruption allegations facing several members of the ruling party by appointing a sympathetic chief prosecutor to the judiciary. The PD claims Xhafaj is protecting his brother from being extradited to Italy on drug charges from 2002 and released an audio tape on May 14 allegedly implicating Xhafaj’s brother in recent drug trafficking in his hometown.

Advice

ndividuals in Albania, particularly in Tirana, are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution due to the risk of potential associated violence.