PNN – On the second day of student protests in Tirana, the Albanian capital, a fire broke out at the Ministry of Education building, and police used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing Anadolu Agency, a fire occurred at the Ministry of Education building in Tirana on Wednesday as student protests in Albania entered their second consecutive day. Albanian media outlet Shekulli reported that police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.
Some students scaled the walls and entered the ministry grounds. Meanwhile, flames were visible from a second-floor window of the building.
Protesters gathered outside the ministry around 11 a.m. local time; the turnout was larger than the previous day. Demonstrators erected barricades using fences, set fire to trash bins and street advertisements, and hurled stones and other objects at police forces.
Later, black smoke rose from the ministry building. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze, while clashes continued in the surrounding streets.
Expressing concern over the escalating tensions, the European Union Delegation to Albania called for an investigation into the excessive use of force against protesters and journalists.
The delegation announced that it has taken note of reports regarding excessive police violence against protesters and journalists, and emphasized that police actions must be proportionate and respect individuals’ fundamental rights.
The EU delegation also called on all parties to refrain from escalating tensions, stating that constructive dialogue is the way forward for resolving disputes.