Protests have rocked Albania as citizens, including students, demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama over poor university conditions, high tuition fees and a lack of support for young people.
The demonstrations in Tirana, the country’s capital, entered their fifth day on Saturday as protesters clashed with police, who fired rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds.
Videos online showed protesters throwing stones, petrol bombs, metal objects and pyrotechnic devices at security operatives, while some were seen setting cars and litter bins ablaze.
It was confirmed that nine protesters and four police officers received medical treatment on Saturday.
State police director Skender Hita noted that “all the means used” were used in a limited manner to minimise damage.
“All the means used have been used in a limited manner and only certified equipment is used, which is allowed for such cases in European Union countries,” Mr Hita stated.
According to him, while 167 people had been arrested during the five days of protests, criminal proceedings had been initiated against 388 others.
Mr Hita explained that seven police officers had been suspended and were facing disciplinary investigations for operating beyond their authorised powers.
The protests, which started in May over plans to develop a luxury hotel in a coastal nature reserve in southern Albania, have deepened as citizens allege corruption in the country while demanding accountability from the government.
Meanwhile, the European Union called on protesters to refrain from violence and stressed the need for constructive dialogue among all parties.
“We strongly condemn the escalation of violence during the protest and the destruction of public and private property. We call on protesters to exercise restraint and avoid any acts of violence. Violence has no place in a democracy,” it noted.
The EU added that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights and core European values and must be respected and exercised peacefully.