The secretary for local power Roland Bejko tried to make his way inside the headquarters of the Democratic Party but was stopped by Sali Berisha’s supporters, one hour ahead of the protest called for by the latter.

Tensions rose as the crowd started insulting him, but there were also calls for restraint and avoiding physical altercations.

The secretary said that he is “at home” and to have “founded the DP”.

Bejko left shortly after the incident.

Euronews Albania journalist Ardit Hoxha reported that the situation was calm before the arrival of Bejko, except for some isolated cases when Basha’s supporters climbed on the terrace of the building and started swearing at Berisha’s supporters.

Also, the crowd was able to break through the doors to the main entrance.

Sali Berisha’s supporters break through the doors to the main entrance of the #DemocraticParty pic.twitter.com/XleGCHAqa0

— Euronews Albania (@EuronewsAlbania) January 8, 2022

The Democratic Party has officially reacted to the incident calling it “unacceptable”.

“The violence of Berisha’s mercenaries against the member of the DP’s presidency is a portrayal of Sali Berisha’s face which inspires and exerts violence to stop a secretary from attending a work meeting”, a statement read.

According to the DP, Bejko was harassed only because he thinks differently from Berisha and does not serve his interests.

The deputy leader of the Democrats also reacted on Twitter saying that all Berisha wants is “violence and blood” and blamed the latter for turning Democrats against each other.