A student revolt with a protest that has spiraled out of control is prompting Europe to react. The European Commission condemns the violence.
The full statement
We condemn the use of violence in Tirana and other cities in Albania, including arson, attacks on state institutions and the destruction of public and private property.
Violence has no place in a democratic society, and any response to it must remain within the law and be proportionate.
Those responsible must be held accountable through a proper legal process.
The freedom of assembly and of expression are fundamental rights and essential European values, which must be respected and exercised peacefully.
We welcome the commitment of the Albanian authorities that the right to protest will be protected. In a candidate country strongly committed to the EU accession process and making important progress on its path towards the EU, grievances must be addressed through constructive dialogue and peacefully.