Albanian police fire rubber bullets as protests against Rama escalate

Albanian police fired rubber bullets at protesters in Tirana on the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation. High school and university students joined the movement, driven by anger over university fees, unemployment and alleged corruption; protesters threw stones, petrol bombs and fireworks, while police used tear gas, water cannon and batons. Officials said nine protesters and four police officers received medical treatment on Saturday; 167 people had been arrested over five days and 132 officers injured. Rama, who has refused to resign, promised to listen to students and protect their right to protest, while accusing conservative opponents of encouraging the violence.