Kukës, back to '97
After the road was blocked, merchants clashed with the police yesterday in Morinë
Kukës, back to '97
Police attacked with weapons
Police Director: The revolt has political support. Government: No concessions to criminals
More unrest with a political backdrop is expected
From the village of Bardhoc in Kukës, the origin of the revolt caused by unemployment among residents disappointed with parliament, the government and the prospects for the future was signaled again before last night. The revolt was similar to at least three districts in the north of the country, which will become the Albanian hallmark for the entire troubled, volcanic period in this part of the country. As in the first unrest over the hydroelectric plant issue, yesterday's clash broke out after the blockade preventing passage to the commercial transit point at the Port of Morinë to collect their goods. The tension at this point followed the same pattern as the first clashes between police and traders. The police fired tear gas at the irritated crowd, and the protesters responded with stones. A furious crowd tried to break through the police cordon by force. Some of the protesters began firing guns in the direction of the police. Later, sporadic gunfire was reported during the night. While the police assured that the situation was returning to normal, tension remained high and special forces arrived in Kukës. Police Director Ilir Gjoni himself said that the protest was organized and not spontaneous. According to his statement, the “hand” behind it belongs to weapons declared illegal. It was said that these were infiltrated individuals seeking to destabilize the region. On the other hand, government statements were harsh, warning that there will be no tolerance for acts that undermine public order and safety. Residents of the area, left isolated by the road closure and the border trade crisis, said their reaction was a consequence of the severe economic situation. Traders demanded the reopening of traffic and easier passage in Morinë.
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Special forces and police commanders in the field during the tensions in Kukës.[?]