Student Protests Turn Violent in Albania's Capital, Tirana
Thousands of students took to the streets in Tirana against rising education costs, corruption, and government policies; the education ministry building and a bank were set on fire.
Demonstrations attended by tens of thousands of students in Albania's capital, Tirana, turned violent as fires broke out at the education ministry and a bank building, while police intervened with water cannons and tear gas.
Student Protests in Tirana
Thousands of students took to the streets in Albania's capital, Tirana, on Wednesday to protest against rising education costs, corruption, and government policies.
Buildings Set on Fire
During the protests, a government building, a bank branch, and the education ministry building were set on fire, windows of local businesses were broken, and trash cans were overturned.
Police Intervention
Security forces intervened to disperse the crowd, who threw stones at police and targeted buildings, by using water cannons and tear gas.
Reactions Against the Government
As demonstrators chanted slogans calling for resignations, these events were recorded as the most violent manifestation of growing discontent with Prime Minister Edi Rama's administration in recent times.
Statement from the Government
Statements from the government wing emphasized that the right to protest is legitimate, but it cannot be used as an excuse for violence, destruction, and ugly clashes.