Albanian police clash with protesters in Tirana, 295 injured as government mulls blacklist
Police in Tirana used tear gas, water cannons and plastic balls against demonstrators, leaving 295 people injured.
Violent clashes erupted near the Ministry of Interior in Tirana as demonstrators gathered and police deployed tear gas, flash-bangs, water cannons and plastic projectiles. The unrest quickly moved onto major avenues, with stone-throwing, Molotov cocktails and fireworks targeting police and state buildings, including the Court of Appeals on Dibras Street. Police dispersed the crowds, arrested five participants - one of them a minor - and continue to search for 15 others.
Media crews reported restrictions as officers blocked journalists from following the action in narrow alleys. Prime Minister Edi Rama commended the police, promised salary increases for frontline officers, and said the government is considering a blacklist in the TIMS border-control system to prevent identified violent protesters from traveling to EU countries.
Why it matters
The unrest highlights growing political tension in Albania and possible new restrictions on protester movement within the EU.
How this story developed
- Oct 13 Student Demonstration at Albania's Education Ministry Turns Violent
- Oct 15 Prime Minister Edi Rama accused opposition groups of orchestrating the demonstrations.
- Oct 15 Rama issued a written statement refusing to resign as protests entered a third day.
- Oct 17 Police reported about 500 detainees, with 330 released, and injuries to roughly 120 officers and 45 protesters.
- Oct 19 Injuries rose to 272, with 169 police officers hurt, and fires were set at a police station and the Interior Ministry entrance.
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