The situation outside the Ministry of Interior escalated during the national student protest this Saturday, with the area covered by a thick cloud of tear gas, while police intervened to disperse the protesters.
Even though protesters were withdrawing, police officers continued to use tear gas, citing the need to disperse the crowd. Tear gas canisters were also found on the sidewalk, which, according to footage, lacked an expiry date marking.
Dozens of police officers and two water cannon vehicles were deployed on the ground. As also seen in footage recorded by drone, the vehicles sprayed large amounts of water under pressure toward the protesters in an attempt to disperse the crowd.
Students and citizens who took part in the gathering said the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama remains their main demand, describing it as non-negotiable. The protest continues amid a climate of tension, as citizens call for the head of government to step down.
