Anti-government protests, which have been held daily for four and a half months, have taken an unprecedented turn since the fall of the communist dictatorship in 1991. Demonstrators are now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Thousands of young Albanians gathered in the capital city of Tirana as part of a growing student-led movement. These demonstrations have entered their sixth consecutive day, with protesters gathering outside the Education Ministry and near the prime minister’s office as students joined a wider movement calling for the prime minister to resign.
Violent clashes and riots have gripped Tirana, with protesters throwing stones at police. Law enforcement responded with a crackdown, using tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds.
Many Albanians have expressed shock at the conduct of law enforcement. Official reports indicate that at least 120 police officers and 32 protesters were injured over a four-day period.