US lawmakers sound alarm as violence grips NATO ally Albania amid anti-government protests

U.S. lawmakers are growing concerned with ongoing violence gripping the small NATO nation of Albania as police clashed with protesters in the capital Tirana.

The violence continued for a sixth straight day on Sunday as the lawmakers issued warnings on social media to Albanian authorities.

"The Albanian people deserve freedom, rule of law, and institutional accountability. The government must refrain from all violence against protestors. Young people deserve a voice in the future of their country," Republican South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson posted on X.

Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., posted on X that: "All parties must reject violence, and the government must respect the rights of peaceful protesters. Albania’s young people deserve a voice in shaping their nation’s future." Aderholt and Wilson were joined by Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, who stated on X: "The protests in Albania are a culmination of the people’s distrust of corrupt politicians and fatigue over the total disregard for the rule of law." ---More...