Albanian police fire rubber bullets as protests against Rama escalate

What the report says

Albanian police used rubber bullets against antigovernment protesters in Tirana as five days of unrest intensified on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. The demonstrations are centered on calls for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign, and have grown as high school and university students joined a broader anti-government movement. Police also used tear gas, water cannon and baton charges after protesters threw stones, petrol bombs and fireworks, and set vehicles and bins on fire near Rama’s office and other parts of central Tirana.

The article says national police chief Skender Hita confirmed that rubber bullets were deployed in a limited way, while the health ministry said nine protesters and four officers needed medical treatment. Police said 167 people had been arrested over the five-day period and 132 officers injured. Seven officers were suspended while authorities reviewed allegations that they exceeded their authority.

Rama, who is serving his fourth term and whose Socialist Party has governed since 2013, visited damaged businesses and said he supported the right to protest while warning against further destruction. The students say they are also protesting high tuition fees, poor university facilities, limited job prospects and alleged corruption. Al Jazeera also noted that the unrest has spread beyond the capital, with reports of road blockades and damage in Durres.