With the destruction came many reports of police brutality, including against regular citizens and journalists. Several media workers were prevented from filming or had their equipment confiscated. On Tuesday, a young man required emergency surgery for a severely broken leg following an altercation with police.
At least 89 people required hospital treatment, including about 51 police officers, while many more protestors have reported minor injuries.
On Thursday, protests started again from 8 a.m. as students across Tirana boycotted lessons and marched toward the Ministry of Education. Police immediately dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and water cannons, while the unrest continued to spread to other parts of the capital, particularly near government institutions and the headquarters of Rama’s Socialist Party.
A parliamentary session for Thursday was canceled after students said they would not allow any deputies to access the assembly.
Protests also spread to other parts of Albania. Masked protestors clashed with police in multiple cities with damage, fires, and violence reported across the country.
Many businesses throughout the capital were shuttered for the day, with owners putting up signs saying “we are with you, please don’t burn our businesses.”
The students, and the so-called “Flamingo Revolution” protestors are demanding the resignation of Rama and the entire government, and a new start for Albania — including economic, educational, government, electoral and legal reform.
Rama told Reuters on Thursay that he has no intention of resigning.
