Would-Be Protesters Beaten by Police

Police beat would-be demonstrators with clubs and detained 15 opposition leaders in the capital, Tirana, in an effort to quell even the smallest anti-government protests by victims of shady get-rich-quick schemes. The harsh police response reflected the government’s determination to prevent a repeat of the huge demonstrations several weeks ago after the government shut down the schemes. Traffic in downtown Tirana came to a standstill when police blocked approach roads to Skanderbeg Square, where a rally that had been banned by authorities was to take place.