Albania protests escalate with attacks on Court of Appeals

Tirana protests Edi Rama student uprising Albania unrest Court of Appeals attack

Violent anti-government protests in Tirana have entered their second week, marked by an escalation in clashes between demonstrators and police. On October 19, masked individuals attacked the Court of Appeals, breaking windows and entering the building, leading to the arrest of five people and warrants for 15 others.

Protesters, primarily students, are demanding improvements to university conditions, lower tuition fees, and an end to corruption. While some demonstrations began peacefully, they have frequently devolved into violence involving stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks. Police have responded using water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

Prime Minister Edi Rama has refused to resign, attributing the unrest to external influences and extremist groups. He stated that while protesting is a right, violence is a crime, and suggested that those responsible for property damage, including minors, should be held financially accountable.

In response to the unrest, the Albanian government announced a 2,500 euro bonus for deployed police officers. Meanwhile, the University Teachers' Union has announced a strike across all public universities in solidarity with the students, demanding an end to violence and independent investigations into recent incidents.

Entities

Albana Koçiu · Albania · Albanian Police · Albanian State Police · Anisa Ruseti · Court of Appeals · Court of Appeals in Tirana · Edi Rama · Ministry of Education · Ministry of Internal Affairs · Sali Berisha · Tirana

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] 22 citizens were criminally prosecuted following the unrest.
[● 2 SOURCES] The number of injured people during the six days of protests has reached 295. meta.mk · republika.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] Protesters set fire to the reception offices of Police Station No. 3 in Mine Peza. meta.mk · republika.mk
[● 2 SOURCES] 68 citizens were arrested in flagrante delicto during the protests.
[● 2 SOURCES] At least 20 police officers were injured during the clashes.
[● 3 SOURCES] Government buildings, including the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure, were targeted. meta.mk · republika.mk
[● 7 SOURCES] The situation in Tirana is under control despite acts of violence. telegrafi.com · ekonomiaonline.com · zhurnal.mk
[● 3 SOURCES] The Ministry of Internal Affairs thanked parents for accompanying children to school to avoid protests. telegrafi.com
[● 8 SOURCES] An attack was recorded against the Court of Appeals in Tirana. telegrafi.com · ekonomiaonline.com · zhurnal.mk · lajmi.net · www.correiodamanhacanada.com
[● 6 SOURCES] Criminal contraventions begin at age 16 according to the Penal Code. ekonomiaonline.com · telegrafi.com · zhurnal.mk
[● 6 SOURCES] Criminal responsibility begins at age 14 according to the Penal Code. ekonomiaonline.com · telegrafi.com · zhurnal.mk
[DISPUTED] More than 150 people, including approximately 100 police officers, were injured by the end of the week. www.danas.rs