Albanian Opposition Lights Up Chairs in Fiery Protest Outside Parliament

Albanian opposition politicians burned wooden chairs outside parliament to protest a colleague's imprisonment. The appeals court upheld a one-year prison term for Ervin Salianji, a Democratic Party member. Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, indicted on corruption charges, has also denied wrongdoing. A major protest is planned in Tirana.

In a dramatic demonstration, Albanian opposition politicians set fire to wooden chairs outside parliament on Monday, decrying the imprisonment of a fellow party member. The protest unfolded at the parliament's regular session start, with opposition members moving chairs from the chamber and igniting them on the building's steps. Security personnel swiftly controlled the blaze.

Ervin Salianji, a member of the opposition Democratic Party, was sentenced to a one-year prison term by Albania's appeals court, which upheld a lower court ruling on Friday. Salianji had been found guilty of making a 'false report' against the former interior minister, a charge he vehemently denies, labeling the trial as politically driven.

Earlier this month, Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha, under house arrest since December, was indicted on corruption charges related to his tenure as prime minister. Berisha, too, denies any misconduct. The opposition party has announced a significant protest in Tirana set for October 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)