PREVIEW

Albania's Capital Burns As Student Protests Escalate. Student demonstrations in Albania's capital Tirana descended into clashes lasting more than 10 hours, with protesters setting fires, entering government buildings and looting. The protests began over university and dormitory conditions, the cost of living and wider grievances over governance before escalating on Wednesday. Masked protesters threw stones, bottles and improvised pyrotechnics outside the Education Ministry before police responded with batons, tear gas and water cannons. Demonstrators later breached the Education, Justice and Finance ministries, damaged businesses and surrounded the office of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Protesters also broke into shopping centres and banks, while fires were started at several buildings, trees and benches across the capital. At least 40 demonstrators were arrested and dozens of protesters, civilians and police officers were reported injured during the unrest. President Bajram Begaj defended the right to peaceful protest but said violence was unacceptable and police force must remain lawful and proportionate. The European Union called for de-escalation and investigations into allegations of excessive police violence, while the U.S. Embassy urged Americans to avoid affected areas.
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