Chaos in Tirana: Protesters set police officer on fire, Ministry building engulfed in flames; Stones hurled

Protesters set fire to the entrance doors of the Ministry of Environment in central Tirana, while security forces used large amounts of tear gas to disperse demonstrators gathered in Skanderbeg Square, Albanian news outlet Report TV reported.

The fire at the ministry’s entrance was extinguished within moments, while flames also appeared at a window of the same building.

Meanwhile, large numbers of protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, where police fired large amounts of tear gas, Albanian Euronews reported.

Police forces were deployed between the headquarters of the Socialist Party of Albania and the Puppet Theatre, while a masked protester was seen firing stones from a slingshot in the square.

The area near the Socialist Party headquarters and the Bank of Albania was covered in tear gas.

The situation in Skanderbeg Square escalated into direct clashes between protesters and police.

Protesters gathered on the side of the square near the building known as the “15-story building” hurled stones, hard objects, and Molotov cocktails at the police. Meanwhile, officers stationed near the Bank of Albania formed defensive lines and responded by deploying tear gas.

Authorities reported that more than 300 protesters and police officers had been injured.

Video footage showed protesters throwing a Molotov cocktail at a police officer, setting him on fire. His fellow officers rushed to his aid and extinguished the flames.

Demonstrators responded to calls from the organizers, who urged students and other citizens across Albania to attend the rally.

Ministry: 13 people injured during protests in Tirana

A total of 13 people were injured during today's protests in Tirana, including demonstrators, police officers, and media representatives, Albania's Ministry of Health and Social Protection announced.

According to the Ministry, nine injured people were treated at the University Trauma Hospital, including seven demonstrators and two media representatives.

One of the injured demonstrators sustained an eye injury and underwent additional examinations but was not in life-threatening condition.

Five people were discharged from the hospital after receiving medical treatment, while four demonstrators continued to undergo examinations and receive treatment.

Another demonstrator and a police officer were treated at the Mother Teresa University Hospital Center. Both were discharged after receiving medical assistance.

Two police officers with eye injuries also received medical treatment at Polyclinic No. 2, a specialized medical facility in Tirana.

According to Albanian Euronews, the Democratic Party's protest is being held in solidarity with and in support of the student demonstrations, which have been ongoing for 12 days.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reiterated his call for dialogue earlier today ahead of the planned protests by students and citizens in Tirana and other Albanian cities.

Rama posted a video on Facebook showing a stone table outside his office, with papers bearing the word “Dialogue” placed on it.

In recent days, Rama has also placed chairs and benches outside his office, inviting students to engage in dialogue, but they have rejected his invitations.

Protests led by students have been taking place in Albania for 12 days. They initially began over dissatisfaction with the state of education, high tuition costs, and limited employment opportunities for young people.

The student protests have since grown into broader demonstrations against Edi Rama's government, with protesters calling for his resignation.