Minister says police used certified irritant spray

Albania’s interior minister told parliament that police used certified irritant spray during recent protests.

Besfort Lamallari said the spray was used for self-defence and to restrain violent protesters. He said the same products are used by police forces in the European Union and the United States.

The minister was responding to opposition lawmakers who had questioned the equipment used by police during demonstrations.

Lamallari said police and the Republican Guard had acted within the law while protecting both public order and the right to protest.

He also accused the opposition of failing to distance itself from masked protesters who threw stones and tried to provoke clashes.