Clashes between police and protesters took place in the Albanian capital, Tirana, on Tuesday, during student demonstrations that have been ongoing in the country for some time.
The protests were initiated by university students on September 13 last year, demanding improved education conditions, before rapidly spreading to various parts of the country.
Violent clashes in Tirana
Albanian media reported that protesters gathered in front of the Court of Appeal building in Tirana, throwing stones and various objects at the police and smashing the building's windows. Police intervened using tear gas to disperse them.
It added that protesters also moved to the Ministry of Interior building, where they continued violent acts, throwing stones, Molotov cocktails, and various objects at police officers.
Widespread school boycotts
Media reports stated that university and high school students in Albania boycotted classes and organized marches in the streets of the capital and several cities, including Vlora, Elbasan, and Shkodra.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed in a statement the government's readiness to meet with protesters and engage in dialogue, calling for an avoidance of violent acts.
Violent background to the demonstrations
During previous demonstrations, protesters threw Molotov cocktails at the Ministry of Education building and some adjacent commercial establishments in Tirana, causing limited fires.
Protesters also threw stones at government buildings and police officers and set fire to garbage containers, prompting security forces to use water hoses and tear gas.
In the same context, several European countries, notably France and Belgium, are witnessing widespread demonstrations accompanied by violent acts, in the wake of rising product prices and fuel costs.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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