The protest in central Tirana has taken a more dangerous turn, with episodes of damage and fires in the streets. Reports from the scene say protesters entered a business near the center, removed furniture and threw it into flames that had been lit at several points in the city.
Entry into business and burning of furniture
According to information from the ground, a group of protesters entered a business in central Tirana and removed furniture from inside.
These items were then burned in active fire spots set up in the streets, shifting the protest from a gathering into a confrontation with material consequences.
Fire spots on Rruga e Durrësit and at Mine Peza
Several fire spots have been reported in the middle of the streets, especially on Rruga e Durrësit and in the Mine Peza area.
On one of the main roads, protesters lit a fire in the middle of the street, while their presence at the gathering has continued for more than four hours.
Advertisements and tents also burned
In the areas where they have gathered, protesters are also burning advertisements and tents, indicating an increased level of damage in public and private spaces.
Images from the center point to a tense situation, with fires becoming the main element of the escalation.
Police on standby, but tension remains high
Large numbers of police officers are on the ground, positioned on standby in response to developments in the protest.
According to the official version from the scene, four water tanker trucks are also available, while tensions in the center remain high.
At this stage, what can be seen in central Tirana is a protest that has moved beyond the limits of a peaceful gathering, with fires, material damage and an increased police presence at several key points in the city.