TIRANA, Oct 16 /ATA/ Students and citizens took to the streets of Tirana for a fourth consecutive day today, protesting against the country’s current political leadership.
They approached the Ministry of Education from different parts of the city, gathering outside the building as they had during the previous three days of protests.
In several streets, groups of young people sat down to block traffic for a few minutes, including at the entrance to Myslym Shyri Street and on other roads.
On Durrës Street, near the Ministry of Education, National Security Force (FNSH) Commander Artur Prifti spoke with several students, urging them not to throw objects at police officers and to protest peacefully. Police later moved the water cannon that had been blocking the road, allowing the young demonstrators to march towards Shqiponja Square.
Some businesses across Tirana have closed their shutters.
High school students and minors have also joined today’s protest.
High school students, minors and, as footage shows, masked individuals also joined today’s protest.
Violence broke out as demonstrators marched along Kavaja Street towards the 21 Dhjetori junction, damaging road signs.
After gathering outside the Ministry of Education, the young protesters chanted slogans and called for the government’s resignation. Tensions subsequently escalated when some demonstrators, including masked individuals and minors, began throwing stones at the building.
Police used water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray against the protesters, temporarily dispersing them from the area outside the ministry.
The past three protests in Tirana have been marked by serious acts of violence and violent clashes with police. Protesters have set fire to government institutions and private businesses, as well as lighting fires on the capital’s main streets, causing chaos and disorder.
