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Tirana protests escalate as demonstrators clash with police
Protests in Tirana have entered their 19th day, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. While the movement began peacefully in May over corruption concerns and opposition to a luxury hotel project, recent gatherings have escalated into violent confrontations.
During the latest demonstrations, masked protesters reportedly threw Molotov cocktails and stones at police, and set fire to trash bins. In response, security forces utilized water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The clashes occurred near the Ministry of Education and the Prime Minister’s office, leading to a heavy police presence around government buildings.
Authorities have arrested six individuals, including two minors and one foreign national, following the violence. Police are also searching for two other suspects. The government has recently implemented stricter measures, including fines of up to 5,500 euros for participants in violent protests.
Political tensions remain high as the Democratic Party, led by Sali Berisha, has called for nationwide support for the students, though some protesters have expressed reluctance to have the movement co-opted by political parties.
Entities
Albania · Albanian State Police · Belind Këlliçi · Democratic Party · Democratic Party of Albania · Edi Rama · Erisa Xhixho · Ervin Demo · Ministry of Education · Mirela Kumbaro · Sali Berisha · Shqiponja
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Masked protesters allegedly threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police. lajmi.net · www.index.hr · www.lastampa.it
- [● 3 SOURCES] Students have called for the removal of both Edi Rama and Sali Berisha. argjiroja.net · lajmi.net
- [● 7 SOURCES] Police used water cannons to disperse protesters and extinguish fires. tocka.com.mk · www.lastampa.it · www.index.hr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Education reported high levels of online manipulation targeting students.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Protesters set fire to trash containers in front of the Ministry of Education. www.index.hr · tocka.com.mk · www.lastampa.it
- [● 4 SOURCES] Approximately 350 people have been injured since the start of the violent clashes. www.index.hr · tocka.com.mk · www.lastampa.it · citizens.al
- [● 3 SOURCES] Tedi Blushi and Belind Këlliçi were blocked by police from reaching Boulevard Dëshmorët e Kombit. citizens.al · almakos.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro declared that schools in Tirana and Kamzë have returned to normality. citizens.al
- [● 6 SOURCES] Six people were arrested following acts of violence during the protest. tocka.com.mk · www.lastampa.it · citizens.al · elbasanion.al · ntv.al
- [● 18 SOURCES] Sali Berisha leads the opposition Democratic Party. www.flash.gr · athina984.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · parallaximag.gr · +10 more
- [● 34 SOURCES] Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. www.flash.gr · athina984.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · parallaximag.gr · +22 more
- [● 32 SOURCES] Protesters allegedly threw Molotov cocktails at police vehicles. www.flash.gr · athina984.gr · www.enikos.gr · www.iefimerida.gr · parallaximag.gr · +21 more