Molotov cocktails ignite fire at Albania's Supreme Court amid student protests
Demonstrators threw Molotov bottles at the Albanian Supreme Court, setting the building ablaze and spreading flames to the Bank of Albania's premises.
Student protests that began on Wednesday have escalated, with rioters hurling Molotov cocktails at the Supreme Court in Tirana. The blaze spread to nearby Bank of Albania offices, prompting fire crews to battle the flames in the court's large storage area. Clashes between police and protesters lasted for hours on Saturday night, leaving both sides injured, including a police officer whose foot was hit by an exploding bottle.
Why it matters
The attack on a key judicial building signals deepening unrest and threatens Albania's stability and public order.
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.
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