Hundreds gather in Albania’s capital to demand resignation of mayor

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Hundreds of people again gathered in the Albanian capital on Tuesday to demand the resignation of Mayor Erion Veliaj.

The protest was organized on the call of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania and the Freedom Party as well as civil society organizations.

They have been calling for the resignation of Tirana’s mayor over corruption allegations.

Dorjan Teliti, deputy mayor of the Tirana Municipality Council and an opposition representative, said in a speech that they will continue their actions.

Freedom Party Secretary General and Tirana Municipality Council member Tedi Blushi said it is time to increase the frequency of actions and protests.

Dozens of police officers were on duty at the protest, and the roads leading to the municipality building were closed.

The protests began in late March after former municipal officials were detained on charges of "passive corruption by persons performing public duties" and "refusing to declare their assets, concealing their assets or making false declarations."