Albanian students clash with police for 3rd consecutive day

Student-led demonstrators clashed with police in the Albanian capital on Thursday for a third consecutive day, as protests demanding changes spread to several cities in the country, according to public broadcaster RTSH.

Protesters threw stones and fireworks at police and public buildings, while officers responded with tear gas and water cannons.

The protest in Tirana began with a march by pupils and students through several streets, passing the parliament building before heading toward the Ministry of Education.

Tensions escalated as demonstrators gathered on both sides of the street, prompting police to intervene with water cannons. Some protesters were escorted by police following incidents of violence, RTSH reported.

Demonstrators later marched toward the Tirana Municipality, where they threw stones and fireworks at the building. Some students reportedly set fire to garbage containers near a school.

The protest was accompanied by property damage in central Tirana, including at a commercial bank. Protesters reportedly smashed windows and doors, damaging ATMs and documents inside the bank's offices.

Police intervened to disperse demonstrators, although some protesters remained in the city center.

A senior police officer was reportedly struck by stones and injured. Further details about his condition and the number of people arrested were not available.

The demonstrations have also spread beyond the capital, with students boycotting classes in several cities.

Police deployed additional forces to maintain order and prevent damage to buildings as tensions continued to rise.