Saturday’s protest: 6 arrested, first charge of attempted murder of a police officer

Tirana police arrested six people over acts of violence during Saturday’s protest on Oct. 31, while three others are being prosecuted and two were declared wanted. For the first time since the protests began, according to Top Channel, those arrested also face a charge of “murder of a police officer,” in its attempted form.

According to the police statement, protesters resisted and struck officers with hard objects, pyrotechnic materials, Molotov cocktails, metal balls and screws. They also blocked traffic and set fire to a waste container.

Who was arrested

Those arrested are A. Sh., 26, L. K., 18, F. Ç., 38, foreign national K. R., 35, and two minors whose names and ages were not released. During searches, Molotov cocktails were found and seized from L. K. and A. Sh.

The case files were referred to prosecutors for attempted murder of a police officer, organizing and taking part in unlawful gatherings and demonstrations, disturbing public order, resisting a public order police officer, violating rules on explosive and flammable materials, blocking traffic, destroying property by fire, and producing and possessing military weapons and ammunition without a permit.

Investigation continues

Criminal investigation specialists, working with prosecutors, said they are continuing to fully document the unlawful acts, identify other people involved and bring them to justice. Saturday’s protest took place outside the Education Ministry and the Prime Minister’s Office.