Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama accused protesters of crossing a “red line” Monday after a police station was set ablaze during anti-government demonstrations.
Protesters lobbed Molotov cocktails at the interior ministry, with riot police turning water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets on the demonstration in response. After gathering in their hundreds from early morning, the protesters also briefly clashed with police outside the education ministry, a rallying point for many of the demonstrators. AFP reporters also saw a small group smashing the doors and windows of the appeals tribunal before police intervened, continuing the attacks on government buildings in recent days. Across the demonstrations police have regularly used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds that have targeted government buildings and smashed stores in several parts of the city. The anti-government protests in the Balkan nation were initially sparked by a controversial resort development linked to US President Donald Trump’s family.
Around 300 people have been injured in the clashes, more than half of them police, according to the authorities.
The prime minister said he was prepared for dialogue, except with those who commit violence and political parties that fail to distance themselves from it. “Violence is not a solution, but the government also needs to reflect deeply to understand this revolt,” he added. Fresh unrest broke out again in the capital Tirana on Monday evening, AFP journalists saw.
