Tirana descended into violent clashes on Saturday as protesters hurled petrol bombs, set government-linked buildings and vehicles ablaze, and battled police using tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets. At least 14 people were reported injured as demonstrations entered their fifth consecutive day.
TIRANA, Oct. 17 (BalkanView) — Violent protests swept through Albania’s capital on Saturday, with demonstrators setting fire to parts of the Supreme Court building, a property belonging to the country’s central bank and several vehicles, as police struggled to contain escalating unrest.
The clashes marked the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations in Tirana and other Albanian cities, with protesters throwing petrol bombs, stones and fireworks at police officers, who responded with tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets, according to local media reports.
The most serious incidents occurred along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard, near Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office, where masked demonstrators confronted security forces for several hours.
Albanian broadcaster Top Channel reported that protesters set fire to the ground floor of the Supreme Court building shortly before 7 p.m. local time.
A vehicle parked nearby also caught fire, while firefighters rushed to the scene to prevent the blaze from spreading.
Earlier, demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails at the former Dajti Hotel, a building owned by the Bank of Albania and used for its offices.
Flames engulfed part of the building’s ground floor and entrance, according to reports by Top Channel and Albania’s public broadcaster RTSH.
At least 14 injured as police and protesters clash
At least 14 people were injured during Saturday’s demonstrations, according to a medical update reported by TV21.
The reported casualties included nine protesters, four police officers and a passerby. One protester was admitted to hospital, while other injured people received medical attention.
Top Channel reported that two police officers were struck by flames from petrol bombs during clashes near the prime minister’s office.
One officer suffered burns to his leg before colleagues extinguished the flames and arranged his transfer to hospital.
A protester also lost consciousness on the boulevard and was taken away by ambulance. Subsequent reports said he had regained consciousness and was communicating with medical staff.
The casualty figures remained provisional as clashes continued into the evening. Other reports referred to higher injury totals, but it was unclear whether those figures covered the entire five-day period or Saturday alone.
Police deploy special units and water cannon
Albanian police deployed additional security units, including rapid intervention forces, as violence spread across central Tirana.
Four water cannon vehicles were used to disperse crowds from the boulevard outside the prime minister’s office, according to RTSH.
Police also used tear gas and rubber bullets during confrontations with demonstrators.
State Police Director-General Skënder Hita was present near the clashes as officers attempted to regain control of the area.
Protesters reportedly set fire to a vehicle near the prime minister’s office and damaged the perimeter of the National Cyber Security Authority building.
Fires were also reported near commercial premises close to the Supreme Court.
Protests spread beyond Tirana
Saturday’s demonstrations began at around 11 a.m. outside the Ministry of Education, where students, school pupils and other citizens gathered.
Tensions escalated when some protesters removed roadside barriers, blocked traffic and set rubbish bins on fire.
Police used water cannon after demonstrators began throwing stones and petrol bombs.
The crowds subsequently moved towards the prime minister’s office, where confrontations intensified.
Demonstrations were also reported in Durrës, Elbasan and Korçë.
In Durrës, protesters damaged windows at a postal building, while police detained several people during the unrest.
The protests have included criticism of Prime Minister Rama’s government, with demonstrators raising concerns about corruption and police conduct.
Reports of alleged police violence against young protesters have added to tensions. Those allegations require independent investigation, and the full circumstances of the reported incidents have not been established.
Rama faces mounting pressure
The unrest presents a growing challenge for Rama’s government as protests enter their fifth day.
Albanian media reported that the prime minister had announced measures to assist small businesses affected by the violence, including a digital mechanism for reporting damage.
The government has also released footage that it says shows protesters breaking into and looting commercial premises.
The demonstrations have exposed tensions over public dissatisfaction, the conduct of security forces and the destruction of public and private property.
As firefighters worked to contain the blazes and police sought to disperse remaining demonstrators, the extent of the damage and the final number of casualties remained unclear.