German MEP for the Greens in the European Parliament, Jutta Paulus, has reacted after the incidents between protesters and police in Tirana, emphasizing that any form of violence is unacceptable.
In a utterance for Politico, Paulus said she had participated in Monday's protest, where, according to her, the atmosphere was completely peaceful and characterized by the presence of many families and children.
Asked about Tuesday's clashes, in which she was not present, the MEP said she could not comment on the specific circumstances of the event, but reiterated that "violence is never acceptable."
The clashes in front of the Parliament marked an escalation of the protests, which had been largely peaceful for more than a month.
Around 200 protesters gathered in front of Parliament as MPs arrived for the plenary session. Eggs were thrown at the vehicles of some MPs during the protest, while police intervened and forcibly escorted six activists away.
After the arrests, the protesters marched towards the Tirana Police Directorate, where they demanded the release of those arrested and accused the officers of excessive use of force.
MEPs Ilaria Salis, Tineke Strik and Anna Strolenberg, who are in Tirana to closely follow developments, have also stood in support of the protesters.
