Tirana faced widespread unrest for the seventh consecutive day as anti-government protests on Monday, October 19, escalated into fierce clashes between demonstrators and police forces. In the center of the Albanian capital, protesters hurled stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks, while police responded with tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons. Albanian media also reported the use of rubber bullets. The mobilizations were driven primarily by students and young people, but also by citizens of all ages, with their central demand being the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. Meanwhile, the government is considering stricter measures against those involved in violent acts, while journalists are reporting being blocked from covering police operations.
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Tirana: clashes near the Ministry of Interior
The unrest broke out near the Ministry of Interior, when a group of young protesters attacked the building and the police units stationed in the area. Officers responded with tear gas and stun grenades in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Tensions escalated further when demonstrators split into two groups — one remaining near the ministry and the other moving toward the city’s main streets. Police deployed water cannons, and according to Albanian media reports, rubber bullets were also used. At the same time, protesters threw stones, Molotov cocktails, and fireworks, while garbage bins were set ablaze.
Pursuits and press freedom complaints
Particularly intense clashes were recorded on Dibra Street, where protesters and police engaged in hand-to-hand confrontations. Groups of demonstrators threw stones and set bins on fire, while security forces responded with tear gas. As part of the crowd scattered into surrounding side streets, police units continued their pursuit and carried out detentions. Complaints also emerged that journalists were prevented from following police operations, significantly limiting media coverage of the events.
Five arrests over the attack on the Court of Appeal
The clashes spread to the area surrounding the Court of Appeal, where protesters caused damage to the building. According to information made public, five individuals were arrested in connection with the attack, including one minor, while 15 more are still being sought. Police also conducted checks at Mother Teresa Square, as groups of demonstrators continued marching toward Skanderbeg Square and other central thoroughfares.
The plan for harsher sanctions
The Rama government is reportedly considering a proposal to create a “blacklist” within the TIMS border control system, in which individuals identified as perpetrators of violent acts would be registered. The proposal under discussion aims to impose travel restrictions to European Union countries, though no such ban has been formally enacted — and the Albanian government cannot unilaterally decide on entry restrictions to the EU. Prime Minister Edi Rama has signaled a tougher response to the unrest, stating that parents of minors who cause destruction will be held financially responsible.
