Sixth day of protests in Tirana: 272 injured as Rama refuses to resign

On Sunday, 18 October, protests in Tirana continued for a sixth day. Around midday hundreds of people gathered outside the Ministry of Education in a tense standoff with police. According to local media, protesters mainly targeted government institutions and the police — the ministry building and the area around the prime minister's office.

Police dispersed the crowds with water cannon and tear gas. Al Jazeera reports that rubber bullets were also used; TRT World does not mention them.

According to the Health Ministry, 65 people were injured in the latest clashes, including 37 police officers, and 12 were hospitalised. In total, 272 people have been injured since Tuesday, including 169 police officers. No deaths have been reported.

Shops and offices in central Tirana have covered their doors and windows with metal shutters. If you are in the city, avoid the area around the Ministry of Education, the prime minister's office and the main boulevard.

In a long video address, Edi Rama again refused to resign and blamed the protests on a "foreign hand". He said he was ready to discuss tuition costs with students, but those responsible for the destruction must be held accountable. The US Embassy called for restraint on all sides on Saturday. No curfew, state of emergency or airport disruption has been reported.