Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha stated that what he called "bear spray" was also used against the protesters, describing it as a very strong irritant that, according to him, was used to disperse the crowd.
But what exactly is "bear spray"?
Known in English as bear spray, it is a protective spray used mainly in North America to protect against bears and large animals in the wild. Its main ingredient is capsaicin, the same compound found in chili peppers and also used in common self-defense sprays.
When sprayed, this substance causes severe eye and skin burns, immediate tearing, respiratory tract irritation, and temporary blindness. The effect is usually temporary, but very strong for several minutes.
Unlike common self-defense sprays, "bear spray" is designed to create a wider irritating cloud and act at greater distances, precisely to stop a large animal approaching.
It is not clear whether the case Berisha spoke about refers to this specific type of spray or to common irritant sprays, such as those used by police for crowd control, but the term "bear spray" is commonly used to describe a very strong form of capsaicin spray.
