One Killed In Clashes During Hunger Strike

Clashes broke out in the southern port of Vlora late Friday when a gang of men reportedly tried to break up a week-old hunger strike intended to force the government to resign. At least one person was killed.

The demonstrators pummeled the men with rocks and bottles, and shots were fired, said Stavri Marko, a reporter for the independent Gazeta Shqiptare. It appeared people on both sides were armed.

Police confirmed one death. Hospital officials said three people were killed and 12 injured.

The men did not identify themselves, but said they intended to bust up the hunger strike. People in the crowd said they were driving a vehicle with Tirana license plates, Marko said.

Vlora has been a flashpoint of the nationwide unrest that began in January when the first of a slew of high-risk investment schemes collapsed. With the hunger strike in its second week, tensions have grown significantly in recent days.

The government alleges that the hunger strike is illegal, and has filed a complaint with a Tirana court.