Italy also expelled 50 Albanian suspected criminals. In Brindisi, police arrested Despoti Clirimi, who was photographed pointing a rifle at crowds of frightened people in Durres. Meanwhile, more than 2,200 U.S. Marines were stationed off the Albanian coast to evacuate foreigners. The Democrat-controlled Albanian legislature refused to transfer its authority over state radio and television to the government. It also refused to allow newspapers to resume uncensored publishing.
Reports indicate that criminal gangs have taken control of various southern cities.
At least 121 people have been killed since 28 February. Political leaders, now part of the all-party government charged with organizing elections by June, have come out against using force to remove Berisha, saying the democratic process will decide. We do not support any military move to overthrow Berisha. In the south, an unidentified rebel leader proposed sending armed men to Tirana to put President Sali Berisha under house arrest, Reuters reported on 21 March. He warned, however, that the insurgents' support for the caretaker government may be short-lived if Prime Minister Bashkim Fino fails to help their cause.