A video circulating online has sparked renewed political controversy in Albania, after appearing to challenge official claims regarding police officers allegedly injured during Thursday’s anti-government protest outside Parliament.
The footage, highlighted by Albanian journalist Isa Myzyraj, focuses on an officer who was presented as one of the policemen receiving medical treatment at the University Trauma Hospital following clashes with demonstrators.
According to the report, the officer was filmed lying in a hospital bed at approximately 4:48 p.m. However, roughly one hour later, the same individual allegedly appeared leaving Police Station No. 3 on foot without any visible signs of serious injury. The video has since circulated widely on social media, fueling accusations that authorities staged or exaggerated parts of their public messaging regarding the events.
Earlier in the day, Albania’s State Police announced that 15 police officers had been injured during confrontations with protesters. The Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, personally visited the Trauma Hospital twice, where images were released showing officers receiving treatment.
Opposition figures and protest organizers argue that the newly released footage raises legitimate questions about the accuracy of the official narrative and are calling for greater transparency regarding the reported injuries. Supporters of the government, however, maintain that officers were assaulted during the clashes and reject allegations that the incidents were fabricated.
The controversy comes amid heightened political tensions following weeks of continuous demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government and alleging police violence against protesters.