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Fresh anti-government protest flares in Albania's capital / Photo: © AFP
Fresh anti-government protest flares in Albania's capital
Masked protesters hurled stones and firebombs at police in Albania's capital on Saturday on the margins of a fresh anti-government demonstration demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
The leaderless demonstrations started peacefully in May over perceived corruption, triggered by opposition to a luxury hotel project in a protected nature reserve that is linked to US President Donald Trump's family.
Since mid-October, they have morphed into a wave of often violent protests also railing against shortcomings in the health system and the lack of prospects for young people.
Saturday's demonstration began peacefully under rain outside the education ministry in Tirana, before dozens of youths started throwing paving stones and firebombs at police and set fire to rubbish bins.
Police responded with two water cannon to disperse the group.
He said that 269 people aged under 18 had been arrested.
The government on Wednesday stepped up its measures against the protests by introducing fines of up to 5,500 euros ($6,100) for violent participants.
L. Brown--BTZ
