Tens of thousands in anti-government protest in Tirana

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters rallied in Albania's capital Friday, nearly a month after four demonstrators were killed in a similar protest that turned violent.

The demonstrators brandished Albanian flags but also signs reading "Berisha go away," in reference to Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Others read "Justice," and "We want early elections."Gathering a crowd of between 20,000 and 30,000 people according to independent estimates - organisers put their numbers at 200,000 - the rally was called by the Socialist Party of Tirana's mayor Edi Rama.

The demonstration, which began with a march through the capital and ended outside government headquarters, was ringed by dozens of riot police but was generally peaceful.

The last opposition rally at the same spot two weeks ago attracted tens of thousands of people, AFP reports.