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| Albanian-Americans in New York holding their 10th consecutive weekly protest on Sunday, August 2, in front of the Albanian Consulate and Permanent Mission to the UN. |
The diaspora protest took place as demonstrations in Tirana reached their 65th day, with participants gathering once again in front of the Albanian Consulate and the Permanent Mission of Albania to the United Nations.
Every Sunday, members of the Albanian community in New York return to the same locations, carrying banners and chanting slogans similar to those used by protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana.
Participants say their movement is aimed at supporting the demands raised by protesters in Albania, including calls for political change and opposition to the government led by Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Among those who have participated since the first week is activist Mark Qehaja, who said the diaspora will continue organizing demonstrations in New York.
"We are here every week in New York, the center of the world, in front of the Albanian mission, protesting against what we consider a government that is against national interests," Qehaja said.
The New York demonstrations have become part of a wider diaspora mobilization, with Albanian communities abroad expressing their positions on political developments in Albania.
The organizers say they intend to continue their weekly gatherings, maintaining pressure and visibility internationally while protests continue in Tirana.