Tirana amid tear gas and flames, DW: Rama seeks dialogue, but makes accusations

Three days of calm were followed by a Saturday of violent clashes on the streets of the capital. The 12th day of the student protest saw Molotov cocktails, stones, burning objects, tear gas and rubber bullets. The students continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who, just hours before the protest, repeated the invitation for dialogue, but also the accusations of violent groups infiltrated among them. The balance of the clashes was 13 injured, among protesters, police and media representatives.

Three days of calm were followed by a Saturday of violent clashes on the streets of the capital. The 12th day of the student protest saw Molotov cocktails, stones, burning objects, tear gas and rubber bullets. The students continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who, just hours before the protest, repeated the invitation for dialogue, but also the accusations of violent groups infiltrated among them. The balance of the clashes was 13 injured, among protesters, police and media representatives.

Students do not withdraw

2:00 PM found the students back in front of the Ministry of Education. Clashes with the police began just a few minutes later, escalating throughout the afternoon and into the evening, on the streets, squares, and various areas of Tirana.

Garbage bins and other objects were set on fire, while flames also engulfed the door of the Ministry of Environment. Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Bank of Albania, while police intervened with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

The clashes left 13 people injured: eight protesters, three police officers, and two media representatives.

Amidst smoke, flames, and clashes with law enforcement, protesters continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, turning the 12th day into one of the most tense episodes of the protests.

Rama seeks dialogue, but makes accusations

Prime Minister Edi Rama started this Saturday with another invitation for dialogue, only to return just a few hours later with accusations of violent groups infiltrating the student protest. In front of the Prime Minister's Office, a large concrete bench held a sign with the inscription "Dialogue", a symbolic gesture that the head of government has been repeating for five days.

But by morning, Rama had come out alongside Interior Minister Ervin Demo, speaking about people with criminal records, radicalized groups, and individuals incited and paid to commit violence. The Prime Minister drew parallels with the protests in France and Italy, announcing that Albania is cooperating with these two countries on new security measures.

"Since simultaneously in all three of our countries, the flag of ANTIFA's urban terror has appeared with its blind force," Rama said.

Alongside accusations and warnings of measures against violence, Rama acknowledged that some of the dissatisfaction that has fueled the protest is legitimate. He cited the rising cost of living, housing difficulties, and demands for more meritocracy and social equality. He promised concrete measures.

"We are absolutely focused and will soon announce what measures we will take," the Prime Minister declared.

13 injured in collisions

The clashes left 13 people injured: eight protesters, three police officers and two media representatives. Nine of them were taken to the Trauma Hospital, including one protester with eye injuries.

"One of them, who suffered an eye injury, is undergoing examinations. Out of danger to life," the Ministry of Health announced.

A protester and a police officer received treatment at the QSUT, who then left the hospital.

The Journalists' Association of Albania (AGSH) reported two more incidents against journalists during Saturday's protest, bringing the number of cases documented or reported from October 13 to 24 to 45. These include physical violence, threats, obstruction of reporting and verbal attacks on media representatives./DW

2:00 PM found the students back in front of the Ministry of Education. Clashes with the police began just a few minutes later, escalating throughout the afternoon and into the evening, on the streets, squares, and various areas of Tirana.

Garbage bins and other objects were set on fire, while flames also engulfed the door of the Ministry of Environment. Molotov cocktails were thrown at the Bank of Albania, while police intervened with water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the demonstrators.

The clashes left 13 people injured: eight protesters, three police officers, and two media representatives.

Amidst smoke, flames, and clashes with law enforcement, protesters continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, turning the 12th day into one of the most tense episodes of the protests.

Rama seeks dialogue, but makes accusations

Prime Minister Edi Rama started this Saturday with another invitation for dialogue, only to return just a few hours later with accusations of violent groups infiltrating the student protest. In front of the Prime Minister's Office, a large concrete bench held a sign with the inscription "Dialogue", a symbolic gesture that the head of government has been repeating for five days.

But by morning, Rama had come out alongside Interior Minister Ervin Demo, speaking about people with criminal records, radicalized groups, and individuals incited and paid to commit violence. The Prime Minister drew parallels with the protests in France and Italy, announcing that Albania is cooperating with these two countries on new security measures.

"Since simultaneously in all three of our countries, the flag of ANTIFA's urban terror has appeared with its blind force," Rama said.

Alongside accusations and warnings of measures against violence, Rama acknowledged that some of the dissatisfaction that has fueled the protest is legitimate. He cited the rising cost of living, housing difficulties, and demands for more meritocracy and social equality. He promised concrete measures.

"We are absolutely focused and will soon announce what measures we will take," the Prime Minister declared.

13 injured in collisions

The clashes left 13 people injured: eight protesters, three police officers and two media representatives. Nine of them were taken to the Trauma Hospital, including one protester with eye injuries.

"One of them, who suffered an eye injury, is undergoing examinations. Out of danger to life," the Ministry of Health announced.

A protester and a police officer received treatment at the QSUT, who then left the hospital.

The Journalists' Association of Albania (AGSH) reported two more incidents against journalists during Saturday's protest, bringing the number of cases documented or reported from October 13 to 24 to 45. These include physical violence, threats, obstruction of reporting and verbal attacks on media representatives./DW