Masked protesters set fires in Tirana as students boycott classes
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Tirana experienced violent student protests today, leading to clashes with police, 16 arrests, and 20 injuries, including a 19-year-old with a broken leg. Masked protesters attacked the Municipality and Ministry of Education, setting fires in the streets, prompting students at the 'Partizani' school to boycott classes. The SafeJournalists network also raised concerns about police violence against journalists during the demonstrations. Four police officers and a police station head have been suspended pending investigation into the injuries.
In a political development, Prime Minister Edi Rama, Chairman of the Socialist Party of Albania, postponed an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party's parliamentary group, originally scheduled for today, until tomorrow.
The Special Anti-Corruption Court (GJKKO) is facing paralysis due to an ongoing boycott, which is jeopardizing pre-trial detention deadlines. Amidst this, GJKKO ordered free legal aid for Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, who continues to serve his term despite being in pre-trial detention on corruption allegations.