TIRANA, March 12 – The Assembly of Albania held a plenary session to review a request from the Special Anti-Corruption Structure for authorization to arrest MP Belinda Balluku.

Outside the Assembly building, the opposition Democratic Party organized a protest calling on MPs to approve the authorization. The party leader walked from party headquarters to the Assembly accompanied by party MPs and protest participants. Meanwhile, police deployed officers at the entrances with equipment, including shields and fire extinguishers. Authorities placed around 1,500 officers on standby.

Inside the chamber, Democratic Party MP Oerd Bylykbashi presented the minority report and said the opposition supported the request. Later, Socialist Party MP Ulsi Manja presented the majority report and stated that Balluku no longer held executive functions in the Council of Ministers.

The Assembly then voted on the draft decision. From 121 MPs present, 47 voted in favor and 82 against, while 7 did not take part.

Following the vote, Democratic Party MPs blocked the parliamentary podium and struck desks with their hands. Meanwhile, the majority continued the session and voted on other items on the agenda.

The protest outside the Assembly ended peacefully.

/a.p./