Two arrested for burning Serbian flag in Tirana

(Patria) - Albanian police arrested two people last night in Tirana for burning the Serbian flag during protests against the "Open Balkan" initiative and the arrival of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in the Albanian capital.

The Tirana local police administration announced today that police structures, after collecting evidence, arrested two individuals, while an investigation has also been launched against six minors from Tirana and Durrës "who were involved in illegal activities" during the protests on the Boulevard, and who are currently at liberty.

"These citizens yesterday afternoon during protests on the Boulevard, in front of the Prime Minister's office, burned four Serbian state flags," the police statement said.

The investigation into the incidents will be continued by the Prosecution at the First Instance Court in Tirana, while the arrested individuals are charged with criminal offenses of "Inciting hatred or discord" and "Disparaging the Republic and its symbols".

Part of the public in Albania does not support the "Open Balkan" initiative, which is why a protest was held in Tirana last night, organized by former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and supported by supporters of the opposition Democratic Party of Albania.

Hundreds of people from various cities in Albania, as well as Kosovo, participated in the protest held under the slogan "Against the Rama-Vučić pact and for the Berlin Process".

Incidents were recorded during the protest. Serbian flags that were placed on the boulevard to mark the gathering for the "Open Balkan" initiative were removed and burned.