US lawmakers sound alarm as violence grips NATO ally Albania amid anti-government protests

U.S. lawmakers are growing concerned with ongoing violence gripping the small NATO nation of Albania as police clashed with protesters in the capital Tirana.

The violence continued for a sixth straight day on Sunday as the lawmakers issued warnings on social media to Albanian authorities.

"The Albanian people deserve freedom, rule of law, and institutional accountability.

The government must refrain from all violence against protestors.

Young people deserve a voice in the future of their country," Republican South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson posted on X.

Rep.

Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., posted on X that: "All parties must reject violence, and the government must respect the rights of peaceful protesters.

Albania’s young people deserve a voice in shaping their nation’s future." Aderholt and Wilson were joined by Rep.

Keith Self, R-Texas., who stated on X: "The protests in Albania are a culmination of the people’s distrust of corrupt politicians and fatigue over the total disregard for the rule of law." Police said 388 people had been charged with criminal offenses during the demonstrations, and an unspecified number of protesters and police have been injured, according to Reuters.

The U.S. embassy in Albania called on all demonstrators to exercise their right to protest peacefully with no violent rioting, urging restraint and calm on all sides.

EUROPEAN CAPITAL ROCKED BY VIOLENT PROTESTS AS GOVERNMENT CORRUPTION PROBE FUELS UNREST Tens of thousands have protested amid allegations of government corruption, inadequate education, unemployment and a lack of opportunity.

The growing nationwide protest movement is driven by students and citizens also demanding accountability, an end to corruption and what they say is the restoration of democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The student-led demonstrations in Tirana , which have turned violent, have quickly spread to other parts of the country.

Protesters have hurled rocks at police, burned government buildings, smashed shop windows and destroyed private property.