Albania protests escalate as students demand Rama’s resignation

Student-led protests in Albania escalated into clashes with police and damage to buildings and businesses in Tirana, while demonstrations also spread to other cities. The unrest intensified from October 13, after months of mostly peaceful antigovernment protests, as young demonstrators called for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign and demanded changes to education and living conditions. Thousands of protesters marched in the capital on Friday, the fourth day of the latest violent phase. Police used tear gas and water cannons as some protesters threw stones, damaged shopfronts and blocked roads with burning rubbish bins. Demonstrators attempted to enter government offices, according to journalists at the scene, and several public buildings were attacked during the week. Interior Minister Ervin Demo said 156 people had been injured in recent days, including 97 police officers. Police said 160 people were detained on Thursday over alleged involvement in violence. The totals were provided by authorities. Demo also said the government had identified two instances of excessive police force and suspended two officers. The demonstrations have reached other Albanian cities, including...