Riots erupt in Albania's capital during student protests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 23:02 · Archive

Riots lasting over eight hours erupted in Tirana on Wednesday as student protesters joined a broader anti-government campaign.

Riots lasting over eight hours erupted across Tirana on Wednesday as hundreds of youths attacked government buildings, banks and businesses, smashing shop fronts and setting fires. Running battles with riot police saw authorities use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. At least four government ministry buildings sustained damage. Authorities reported 23 police officers and six other people injured, while 35 people were detained.

The demonstrations, continuing for a second day, were organized by student groups seeking education reforms. However, protesters also joined a broader anti-government campaign opposed to a development project linked to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump. The 'flamingo movement', which earned its name after protesters used signs depicting the pink bird, is calling for Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation over allegations of widespread corruption.

President Bajram Begaj condemned the violence, stating: 'The constitution and the law must remain the boundaries for everyone, without exception.' The months-long rallies against the proposed coastal project have fuelled political tensions in Albania, which is aspiring to join the European Union and has struggled with instability since the collapse of communism in the early 1990s.

How it is being reported

• Riots erupt in Albania's capital as students join anti-government movementRiots have broken out during a student demonstration in Albania’s capital Tirana.Clickorlando · 14 Oct, 17:00
• Riots erupt in Albania's capital as students join anti-government movementRiots have broken out during a student demonstration in Albania’s capital Tirana.News4Jax · 14 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Albania · Tirana · Edi Rama · Bajram Begaj · Jared Kushner · Donald Trump

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem