Albanian capital sees fifth straight day of violent clashes
Protesters hurled rocks, Molotov cocktails and other objects at police officers, who fired rubber bullets for the first time since the protests began, with 35 people wounded in the violence.
Tirana, Albania witnessed violent clashes for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday as protesters demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. The demonstrations began on Tuesday, with thousands of demonstrators rallying against university conditions, high tuition fees, and demanding Rama's resignation. On Saturday, protesters hurled rocks, Molotov cocktails, metal objects, and pyrotechnic devices at police, setting buildings ablaze, including a court, banks, and a post office.
Police responded with rubber bullets, water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas, leaving 35 people injured, 18 of them police and 17 protesters. The health ministry reported that three people were treated for head, eye, and leg injuries allegedly caused by rubber bullets. The Director of the state police, Skender Hita, stated that rubber bullets were used in a limited manner, considering that minors aged 16 to 17 were among the protesters.
Over the five days of protests, 167 people were arrested, and criminal proceedings were initiated against 388. Seven police officers were suspended and under disciplinary investigation. Rama acknowledged the protesters' right to assemble but warned against jeopardizing the country's future.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Albanian capital sees fifth straight day of violent clashes freemalaysiatoday.com
