File footage of January 21 protest in Tirana. (Photo by Godo Godaj)
Albania (BCS/MNN) ― Thousands of Albanians converged in Tirana and three other cities Friday to demand the government step down over corruption allegations.
This comes just two weeks after a similar anti-government demonstration turned violent and left three people dead.
The Socialist opposition says they plan to hold weekly rallies across the country every Friday until the government responds.
Their discontent stems from the 2009 elections when the Democratic Party narrowly defeated the Socialist party.
Since their defeat, the Socialists have accused the Democrats of rigging the election and are demanding a new vote ahead of the scheduled 2013 elections. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Party suggested the Socialists were trying to stage a coup to make a grab for power
As the tension heated up, it went into full scale rioting when the country's deputy prime minister stepped down over corruption allegations.
Bethany Social Services Albania (BSSA*), a partner of Bethany Christian Services, was not affected by these recent events. They are recognized as a leader in the Albanian social services sector.
As events continue to unfold in Albania, pray for a spirit of reason and restraint. Ask God for protection, healing for those injured, as well as comfort for those whose loved ones were killed.
Most importantly, pray that peace and justice would prevail, and that the people of God in Albania would be peacemakers and would also boldly proclaim that true peace, hope, and justice are found only in Christ.
*BSSA advocates for the de-institutionalization of children through foster care and other temporary care service programs. BSSA also provides family preservation and family reunification services, comprehensive care for pregnant women, and crisis intervention services.
Follow the link to learn more about Bethany's work in
Albania: BSSA.
