Albanian minister reports 156 injured over four days of Tirana protests

Four days of protests in Tirana have left 156 people injured, including 97 police officers, Albanian Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on October 16.

The minister said those injured included twelve bystanders and four minors. Those categories are included in the overall toll, while the police figure covers the protests since Tuesday.

Students and their supporters have protested high tuition fees, poor learning conditions and a lack of jobs in their fields. Demonstrators have also demanded Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation.

Clashes in preceding days involved stones and incendiary devices, with ministry buildings and shops damaged. Police used tear gas and water cannon.

Rama condemned the violence and refused to resign. On October 15, Russia's embassy in Albania urged Russian citizens in the country to avoid large gatherings.