Arizona Tribune - Embattled Albanian PM vows fines for violent protesters

Rama said a new law would be released this week allowing for fines of more than $550 for "anyone who chooses to remain in a crowd" that is carrying out acts of violence or looting in a public space, or "concealing their identity".

In a speech broadcast on social media, he said the clampdown would apply to any type of gathering "when it results in property damage".

Months of anti-government demonstrations have deteriorated in recent days into pitched battles between the security forces and protesters.

The new law would give police the powers to restrict "gatherings" in certain cases if there was a risk of violence, Rama said.

"Anyone demanding my resignation is mistaken if they think it can be forced or imposed in any way, but I do not believe that everything they are saying and demanding is wrong," he stated.

Rama's statement came as several hundred people in the capital staged a fresh protest outside his offices.

Opposition leader and fierce Rama rival Sali Berisha, head of the Democratic Party, said people would not accept the new government measures, his party said in a press release.

"We will stand firmly against them" and "respond tooth for tooth" to Rama "to give him what he deserves", Berisha told an online exchange with the public.

The new law also allows for compensation for small companies affected by protests and action against those who "encourage, organise or coordinate the participation of minor school children in rallies".

Teachers have backed high school students who have taken part in the protests this year.

Police said after Saturday's protests that 23 people had been formally arrested, 13 others face legal proceedings and 30 people were "wanted".

Ch.Campbell--AT