Tensions from the protest in Tirana spread to the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard, where demonstrators were kept on the sidewalk under a police cordon, while the intervention by law enforcement was accompanied by the use of irritant sprays and the movement of ambulances in the area.
Demonstrators kept off the road, traffic continued
On the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard segment, a number of protesters were positioned on the sidewalk, while vehicle traffic continued as normal.
According to the official version, police set up a cordon to keep demonstrators separated from the road, arguing that this was to guarantee the movement of vehicles. According to the same statement, the gathering had been scheduled to last until 20:00, after which it would not be allowed to continue.
Clashes on the ground and use of sprays
During the protest, incidents were reported between police and demonstrators. On the ground, the use of sprays with an irritant effect against protesters was seen.
Ambulances were also seen in the area transporting people affected by the substance used, further worsening the toll of the police intervention.
Chemical mixture and drone surveillance
A chemical mixture in blue and yellow colors was also used during the protest, which, according to reports, had a stronger blast than in previous cases.
Another element was aerial monitoring. For the first time, police also followed the situation with drones, although one of them was brought down by the crowd.
Crowd moved toward Ura e Dajtit
After the police intervention, the protest did not remain concentrated only on the boulevard. The crowd moved in the direction of Ura e Dajtit.
In that area, the protesters split into three different directions, spreading the dynamics of the gathering beyond the initial point of confrontation.
Images from the scene showed a protest kept under tight police control, with restrictions on the movement of demonstrators and the use of irritant agents.
More than routine public order management, developments on the boulevard once again raised questions about the proportionality of the police response to public gatherings.