Tirana Rally Turns Violent as Police Fire Tear Gas and Water Cannon
Albanian authorities said more than 300 people were injured and dozens arrested during Saturday's antigovernment demonstration in the capital.
By Maya Sokolov ·
Albanian police used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to break up an antigovernment rally in Tirana on Saturday after crowds turned violent. Authorities reported more than 300 injuries among protesters and officers, dozens of arrests, and damage to several government buildings.
The demonstration followed weeks of unrest that began in mid-October over school conditions and the rising cost of living. Clashes between demonstrators and police have been recurring since that period. Saturday's gathering followed a short lull in Tirana, where tensions had eased in recent days before organizers called on students and others from across Albania to attend.
Groups including university professors, artists and opposition parties announced support for the rally. Local media reported police increased security around the capital and checked vehicles entering the city. The Ministry of Education has drawn the focus of the protests; on Saturday, some participants threw stones at the building and rolled burning bins toward it.
Protests have occurred intermittently since May, when details emerged about a luxury hotel project linked to the family of United States President Donald Trump. Public anger has since expanded to include corruption and living costs, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Rama has blamed "foreign actors" for the violence and accused Russia and Iran of spreading misinformation online. He has called for dialogue. On Saturday, red cushions were placed outside government headquarters as an invitation to talk; protesters later set them on fire. Demonstrators have placed responsibility for the crisis on the entire political class. Some carried signs criticizing Rama's opposition rival, centre-right leader Sali Berisha.
The Ministry of Education building sustained attacks during Saturday's rally, with stones thrown at the structure and burning bins rolled toward it. Police reported injuries among both protesters and officers, with more than 300 people hurt in total.
Source: Al Jazeera
