London, January 21 NOA - Amnesty International has today urged the authorities to investigate the reported deaths of three men during anti-government protests in the Albanian capital Tirana.
Protesters calling for the resignation of the government were reported to have thrown sticks and stones at government buildings, while police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and truncheons.
“The police have a right to maintain order and protect the public, but they must not use excessive force against those carrying out their legitimate right to protest,” said Andrea Huber, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia.
Demonstrators also reported the sound of gunfire. Albanian officals said three men died in the demonstrations, reportedly from shots fired at close range from small-calibre weapons; 17 police officers and 21 civilians were injured.
e.r/NOA
