Albania imposes $6,000 fine for demonstrators present at a protest that turns violent

The fine – six times the average monthly salary – will apply to people present at violent protests, even if they don’t personally commit violent acts

Albania has introduced fines of more than $6,000 for demonstrators who participate in a protest that turns violent, even if they don’t personally commit violent acts, as the government tries to clamp down on the gatherings calling for the prime minister’s resignation.

The capital, Tirana, has been racked by months of anti-government protests that in recent days have deteriorated into pitched battles between the security forces and protesters.

The leaderless movement started peacefully in May, with rallies against a luxury hotel project in a nature reserve, backed by US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.