Albanian Protesters Target Government Offices

Opposition protesters pelted Albania's government building and Tirana Mayor's office with petrol bombs late, accusing state officials of involvement in organized crime and corruption after their leader was placed under house arrest.

Thousands of opposition supporters gathered in front of Rama’s office and later at the office of Tirana’s mayor who is also from Rama’s Socialist Party.

Police did not intervene but did extinguish fires from the petrol bombs which endangered a few officers. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Thousands gathered in front of the government headquarters in the capital Tirana as riot police officers cordoned off the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Protesters later moved outside Tirana mayor's office throwing petrol bombs and scuffling with police.

Opposition leader Sali Berisha addressed the protesters via a video link from house arrest. He is being investigated for alleged corruption while prime minister between 2005-2013.

Berisha has denied wrongdoing, accusing Rama of a political vendetta meant to silence opponents. Rama denies this.

The main opposition Democratic Party accuses Rama of nepotism and corruption which it says are prompting many young people to emigrate for a better life in western Europe.

Protesters also asked for the release of opposition leader Sali Berisha who has been held under house arrest and investigated for alleged corruption while serving as prime minister between 2005-2013.

Berisha has called for supporters to engage in civil disobedience to force the government to hold snap elections.

Rama has held power since 2013 and has won all parliamentary and local elections since then.