3 killed in anti-government unrest in Albania

From Altin Raxhimi, For CNN

January 21, 2011 12:25 p.m. EST

Albanian demonstrators clash with riot police during an anti-government protest in Tirana on January 21, 2011.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Thousands demonstrate outside the office of the Albanian prime minister
• The protests are called by the opposition to pressure Sali Berisha to resign
• 23 protesters and 17 police officers also injured in clashes

Tirana, Albania (CNN) -- At least three people were killed Friday during an anti-government protest outside the Albanian prime minister's office, officials said.

Thousands demonstrated outside Prime Minister Sali Berisha's office, urging him to resign amid corruption allegations. The protest was called by the opposition Socialist Party.

Some protesters clashed with the more than 1,000 police personnel providing security during the demonstration. Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails before police used water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

Three protesters were killed and 23 were injured, including three in critical condition because of head injuries, according to Sami Koceku, chief of the emergency unit at the Tirana Military Hospital. At least 17 police officers also were injured in the unrest, Koceku said.

The Socialist Party boycotted Albania's parliament from September 2009 to February 2010 because of allegations of electoral fraud, according to the U.S. State Department. Efforts to resolve the political stalemate were unsuccessful as of December, the department said.