Violent clashes broke out between police and opposition protesters in Tirana on Sunday (22 March) as demonstrators were demanding the resignation of the Albanian government following corruption allegations against the deputy prime minister.
It's reported that petrol bombs and fireworks were hurled at the Prime Minister Edi Rama's office and police responded with a water cannon.
Political tensions have escalated since December after a special prosecution unit indicted Rama's deputy, Belinda Balluku, for allegedly interfering in public tenders for major infrastructure projects and favouring certain companies.
Balluku denies the allegations.
An anti-corruption court suspended Balluku from office, but the Special Prosecution Office, tasked with fighting corruption, has demanded parliament lift her immunity to enable her arrest.
On 12 March, lawmakers voted against lifting her immunity.
Balluku, previously also serving as the country's infrastructure minister, is known as a close ally of Rama.
Albania is seeking membership of the European Union in the next four years, however accession is uncertain as Brussels says there need to be stronger efforts to combat corruption and organised crime.
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