US embassy in Tirana warns its citizens ahead of opposition’s demonstration

Three days ahead of the ninth demonstration of united opposition in Albania, the US embassy has warned its citizens to avoid areas where DP and SMI will rally.

In contrast to previous occasions, this warning has not been issued a few hours before the protest.

“A large demonstration is expected to take place near the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, June 21, 2019, beginning around 8:00 p.m.  The group intends to demonstrate against the Albanian government and may move to different locations in Tirana.  The duration of the expected demonstration is unknown.  Recent demonstrations have included violence.  Security forces have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds. U.S. Embassy personnel and family members have been directed to avoid all gathering points and locations where demonstrations are imminent or ongoing”, says the US embassy in its alert. /ibna/