Albanians hold a peaceful protest over police shooting

TIRANA, Albania (AP) — The first peaceful protest in Albania's capital over the fatal shooting of a man by police enforcing a coronavirus curfew quickly faded away Monday following a strong police warning to avoid illegal gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a significantly diminished number compared to previous rallies, only a few hundred demonstrators gathered at Tirana’s main Skenderbej Square, then walked toward Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office shouting “Down with the dictatorship.” They returned at the square peacefully.

Police mentioned “the concerning situation caused by the pandemic" in a statement, calling for everyone to respect lockdown measures set by health authorities. Those restrictions include a ban on public gatherings of more than 10 people, an overnight curfew, the mandatory use of masks and social distancing.

Albanians have defied a coronavirus ban on public gatherings and there have been clashes with police in recent days after Klodian Rasha was killed in Tirana during a curfew early Tuesday. Police say he ignored officers’ calls to stop and ran away. A police officer has been arrested and is being investigated for “homicide in excess of necessary self-defense.”

In a conciliatory move, the government decided on a monthly pension for Rasha’s father.

Monday's police statement said that authorities “wouldn't tolerate any gathering that runs counter to existing restrictions.”

Demonstrators have hurled stones and other objects against police and at government buildings and destroyed street traffic signs. Police have responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has apologized for what he called the “inexplicable” shooting of Rasha, and his interior minister resigned Thursday.

But that...