TIRANA, Oct 25 /ATA/ The 13th day of student-led protests, joined once again by citizens and masked minors, ended after around six hours. Demonstrators marched from the Ministry of Education to the Prime Minister’s Office before gathering at Skanderbeg Square.
During the protest, several masked individuals set fires and torched a tree in a nearby landscaped area.
They also scattered nails in an apparent attempt to puncture the tyres of police vehicles entering the square.
Protesters later threw Molotov cocktails at police officers near Skanderbeg Square.
The demonstration initially proceeded peacefully, with police establishing a security perimeter around the area and remaining on high alert to maintain public order. Police water cannon vehicles were also deployed near the Ministry of Education.
At one point, several masked youths threw stones towards the ministry before quickly stopping.
The protesters then marched towards the junction near Skanderbeg Square before continuing along the boulevard towards the Prime Minister’s Office.
Upon reaching the building, the protesters gathered the chairs placed outside by Prime Minister Edi Rama as an invitation to dialogue and set them on fire.
Over the past two weeks, protests that initially began outside the Ministry of Education have escalated into violent clashes between police and demonstrators, leaving dozens injured on both sides.
Alongside state institutions, small and medium-sized businesses have also been targeted, with several premises set on fire or damaged during the unrest.
Young people and students continue to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and have rejected all invitations to dialogue from the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister today unveiled a new legislative package envisaging fines and tougher measures against participants in violent protests.
