Iran says two supertankers hit mines as it declares Hormuz closed Trump waives Russia sanctions, Kyiv warns of reward for Moscow Houthis tighten Taiz siege and strike Aden as Egypt and UAE back Riyadh Cost-of-living protests turn violent in France and spread across Europe Russian strikes cut power to a million Ukrainians; drones target Moscow region US and Belgium press Israel after settler attacks on journalist and diplomats Stampede at Durga Puja pavilion in Kolkata kills at least 17 Albanian police use rubber bullets as student protests against Rama continue Kenya's Ebola cases rise to seven as health workers are infected Bangladesh struggles to contain world's largest measles outbreak this year Deaths and spreading fire after serious incident at Canadian base in Alberta Romania shoots down two drones over Black Sea after tanker attacks Debt trouble at AI data-centre builders spreads to Asian chip stocks IMF meetings end with warnings on oil, debt and inflation Hurricane Trudy strengthens to Category 2 as it nears Mexico's Pacific coast Former president Kabila joins rebel coalition seeking to topple Kinshasa government Calgary crowd rallies for Canada as Alberta's separation vote nears Calls for AI oversight grow from Washington to Sacramento and London Pakistan and Afghan Taliban exchange fire along border Pope Leo leaves hospital and returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery Ten killed in fire at Bangladesh beach resort Asean monitor issues highest haze alert as Singapore names firms over Indonesian fires Four dead in Istanbul floods India's Cockroach Party founder freed after arrest as US lawmakers urge Rubio to act Tunisians stage biggest protest in years against President Saied Lula campaign accuses Meta of interference ahead of Brazil run-off Orange County wildfire burns homes and forces thousands to evacuate Lebanon and Israel to join US-backed talks in Florida Ukraine calls Russian-held Oleshky a 'death trap' with starving residents Israeli drone strikes kill six in Gaza as shelter crisis deepens before winter Delegates walk out of IMF meeting as Russian finance minister speaks Russia rejects idea of quick path to nuclear zero North Korea says it tested new AI-equipped torpedo system Suspicious mailings reach offices of dozens of US lawmakers Sudan's army claims dozens of RSF fighters killed in Nyala attack Iran says two supertankers hit mines as it declares Hormuz closed Trump waives Russia sanctions, Kyiv warns of reward for Moscow Houthis tighten Taiz siege and strike Aden as Egypt and UAE back Riyadh Cost-of-living protests turn violent in France and spread across Europe Russian strikes cut power to a million Ukrainians; drones target Moscow region US and Belgium press Israel after settler attacks on journalist and diplomats Stampede at Durga Puja pavilion in Kolkata kills at least 17 Albanian police use rubber bullets as student protests against Rama continue Kenya's Ebola cases rise to seven as health workers are infected Bangladesh struggles to contain world's largest measles outbreak this year Deaths and spreading fire after serious incident at Canadian base in Alberta Romania shoots down two drones over Black Sea after tanker attacks Debt trouble at AI data-centre builders spreads to Asian chip stocks IMF meetings end with warnings on oil, debt and inflation Hurricane Trudy strengthens to Category 2 as it nears Mexico's Pacific coast Former president Kabila joins rebel coalition seeking to topple Kinshasa government Calgary crowd rallies for Canada as Alberta's separation vote nears Calls for AI oversight grow from Washington to Sacramento and London Pakistan and Afghan Taliban exchange fire along border Pope Leo leaves hospital and returns to Vatican after lung cancer surgery Ten killed in fire at Bangladesh beach resort Asean monitor issues highest haze alert as Singapore names firms over Indonesian fires Four dead in Istanbul floods India's Cockroach Party founder freed after arrest as US lawmakers urge Rubio to act Tunisians stage biggest protest in years against President Saied Lula campaign accuses Meta of interference ahead of Brazil run-off Orange County wildfire burns homes and forces thousands to evacuate Lebanon and Israel to join US-backed talks in Florida Ukraine calls Russian-held Oleshky a 'death trap' with starving residents Israeli drone strikes kill six in Gaza as shelter crisis deepens before winter Delegates walk out of IMF meeting as Russian finance minister speaks Russia rejects idea of quick path to nuclear zero North Korea says it tested new AI-equipped torpedo system Suspicious mailings reach offices of dozens of US lawmakers Sudan's army claims dozens of RSF fighters killed in Nyala attack

Symbolic image: Albanian police use rubber bullets as student protests against Rama continue

Symbolic image

Albanian police use rubber bullets as student protests against Rama continue

9 sources

Police fired what appeared to be rubber bullets at protesters in Tirana on Saturday, the fifth day of student-led demands for Prime Minister Edi Rama to resign.

Reuters video showed police firing a shotgun at crowds outside the Education Ministry, and Reuters reporters found rubber pellets that hit two journalists and several protesters. Police chief Skender Hita did not deny the use of rubber bullets, saying all means were used "in a limited manner". He said seven officers are suspended for "exceeding their authority". Demonstrators have burned government buildings and banks and thrown rocks, while police used tear gas and water cannon. Rama, who told Reuters this week he would not step down, said on Saturday his government respects the right to protest and holds a clear mandate.

Arrest figures differ

Hita said 1,067 people were arrested and 388 prosecuted, according to the Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters. Koha's headline on the same briefing reports 167 arrests in five days.

Grievances and opposition

Protesters cite corruption, joblessness and poor education; medical student Juri Taullahu, 22, spoke of "13 years of corruption". Koha reports that Berisha called for civil disobedience.

Israel closes embassy

Israel's embassy in Tirana closed temporarily on Friday, KAN News reported.